Claridge's History 2016
CLARIDGE’S HISTORY Since first opening its doors Claridge’s has been the destination for fashionable London. Bought in 1854 by Mr and Mrs William Claridge, the hotel received the ultimate accolade in 1860 when Queen Victoria visited Claridge’s to see her friend Empress Eugenie of France. This was the beginning of a tradition of royal visits, which continues to this day. Claridge’s has even been called the annex to Buckingham Palace, as foreign heads of state, invited to dine at the Palace, return hospitality by hosting a banquet at the hotel. In 1893 Claridge’s was bought by Richard d’Oyly Carte, owner of the Savoy, who commissioned C.W. Stephens, famous for designing Harrods, to demolish the original buildings and erect the elegant seven storey hotel, which stands today. The new Claridge’s opened its doors in 1898. 1 By 1929, when London’s bright young things were partying as if their lives depended upon it, Claridge’s was in need of some modernisation. Oswald Milne, a pioneer of the art deco movement was invited in. The entrance, still an awkward, old-fashioned carriage driveway was transformed into the spectacular, elegant lobby, with its revolving door, glamorous mirrors and ‘leaping deer’ lamps which still, 75 years later, looks modern and contemporary. At this time, a new wing was added with 80 new rooms and the beautiful Ballroom. Much of the original furniture, lighting and decoration from this time remain and it is this heritage which gives Claridge’s its title of art deco jewel of Mayfair.
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