The Rosewood London
It’s been four months since we last contributed to our Art in Design feature, but we’ve never stopped admiring the hotels and spaces, near and far, that continue to catch our eye. We always love to come across or visit places where art is at the heart of a space. Places that use innovating ways to incorporate art that brings authenticity, connection, and emotion, and truly makes a difference, are the ones that stand out from the crowd. The ones that we remember.
If you’ve ever been lucky enough to visit The Rosewood London, it’s certainly somewhere that will be stored in your memory for years to come. The entrance with wrought-iron gates features a central carriageway entrance and dome, leading into a grand courtyard, which transports visitors from the bustle of London city life, into a calm and charming sanctuary. Upon entering, guests will feel as if they’ve gone back in time, to the Victorian era, as they’re surrounded by history and lavish interiors of Cuban mahogany and seven types of marble, some of which can no longer be found anywhere else in the world.
Designed by H. Percy Monckton in a Edwardian style, the building at 252 High Holborn was originally the headquarters for the Pearl Assurance Company. Now, a luxury hotel in the heart of London, it captivates its visitors at every turn, with significant heritage features listed by English Heritage, such as the principal façades, as well as the interiors and the Grand Staircase.
The hotel’s design is a story, based on the philosophy - A Sense of Place, in which the luxury property reflects its location’s history, culture and sensibilities. Each space reveals stunning detail with an abundance of furnishings, textures, and objets d’art.
The lobby comprises of black and white marble mosaics, along with quirky art and books, stunning oak armoires and a parchment reception desk. In the centre wall hangs an ornate, one-off painting by world-renowned Argentinian artist Eduardo Hoffmann, displaying the vast countryside surrounding an English country estate.
Pictured below, the Rose Bronze Gallery, designed by Tony Chi and Associates, is one of Rosewoods most iconic spaces.
Rosewood London offers a unique insight into the works of some of the world’s most renowned artists, including Chilean artist Eduardo Hoffman, Simon Bingle and Peter Osborne. Throughout the hotel, visitors can admire contemporary pieces as well as the traditional artworks that complement them. A giant Botticelli foot appearing from the clouds onto an urban London street is located amongst the lobby shelves, and is a tribute to the surreal Monty Python’s Flying Circus, a TV comedy sketch shown in the late 1960s and 1970s.
The zebra and the jack russell are two fantasy sculptures by Peter Osborne, located in the Living Rooms of the hotel. The juxtaposition of the two animals creates an interesting dynamic on the wall, with the zebra playing the part of the fierce character, with a cigar hanging out of his mouth, and the dog, somewhat inconspicuous and more care-free. The two sculptures are both created in resin and finished in paint and lacquer. Interestingly, the coat on the Jack Russell has been created from postage stamps!
Gerald Scarfe, the renowned British artist and caricaturist, has lent his name and artistic vision to Scarfes Bar. Amusing and conversational illustrations adorn the marble walls, creating a living canvas where the corner is continuously updated to reflect the current affairs of the time. These captivating illustrations add a twist to the traditional luxury that has been beautifully executed by renowned interior designer Martin Brudnizki.
1,000 antique books, handpicked by a Portobello art dealer, take pride of place in the shelves throughout the bar, giving the space a warm and welcoming feel.
The Willaston Bar
Fashioned from the finest materials and curated to the highest standards, the 263 guestrooms and 45 suites were all designed by Tony Chi and Associates. Combining British heritage and contemporary sophistication, guests will feel as though they are relaxing in a country manor, more so than a city hotel. We can only imagine what a treat it would be to sit back and take in the specially commissioned artworks, carefully curated sculptures, and bespoke objets d’art, while pondering masterpieces, of all shapes and sizes.
The heritage boardrooms reflect Britain’s history through the eyes of the caricaturist James Gillray, who recorded the country's rich political and social culture between the mid-18th and early 19th centuries.
Combining food and art, Chef Mark Perkins launched this unique afternoon tea that we have now put to the top of our foodie bucket-list. It is like nothing guests will have seen before and most certainly looks too good to eat! The chef incorporated his artistic talents into the tradition of afternoon tea and pushed creative boundaries. His latest tea is Inspired by the exhibition at the Tate Modern - ‘Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirror Rooms’ where he combines unique Japanese flavours with traditional French pastry and patisserie, to express Yayoi Kusama’s contemporary works. The afternoon tea can be enjoyed the Mirror Room which has an understated formality and relaxed elegance, with floor-to-ceiling mirrors.
The Mirror Room
Rosewood London is the main hotel partner for Frieze London, the contemporary art event of the year, which takes place in Regent’s Park and features more than 160 of the world’s most prestigious galleries.
They have also been chosen as the preferred hotel partner for the Quintessentially Art Patron Scheme. Quintessentially Art is a fine art advisory service that works with the most renowned galleries, museums and art fairs in the world.
Rosewood London is both official hotel partner and Patrons Programme Partner for Children & the Arts.
If you’re looking for a city escape, within a city and an ambience that reflects a historic London residence with exquisite art and rich heritage, then Rosewood London is your place.
