A world-famous London hotel has put more than 3,000 items, including 1,371 pieces of furniture and 344 works of art, up for sale ahead of its latest renovation.
The Savoy, located on the Strand, has always been determined to stay ahead of the times and, as it seeks to renew itself once again, its furniture is set to go up for auction.
It has undergone four major renovations throughout its 135-year history, in 1910, 1936, 1950 and 2010, and 2024 is no exception.
Decorative art, curtains, collectibles, textiles and furniture are among the thousands of items up for grabs next month.
They are available to view on the BidSpotter website, including a portrait of Charlie Chaplin and a Georgian Chippendale-style camel-back Donghia sofa.
The hotel announced in August: ‘The Savoy has also confirmed a refurbishment of rooms and suites as part of an ongoing commitment to invest in the property and ensure the best experience for guests.
‘This has begun and will be done in stages to have little or no impact on the operational functioning of the hotel. The first new rooms and suites will be revealed in August 2025.’
However, he has remained silent on what the renovated rooms will look like.
The Savoy, located on the Strand, has always been determined to stay ahead of the times and, as it seeks to renew itself once again, its furniture is set to go up for auction.
The hotel has undergone four major renovations throughout its 135-year history, in 1910, 1936, 1950 and 2010, and 2024 is no exception. Pictured is Monet’s suit being renovated.
Pictured: a portrait of Charlie Chaplin that will go up for sale at auction next month.
The times reported that one of the suites under renovation is named after the soprano María Callas.
Remnants from her time at The Savoy are for sale, including a framed portrait of her and a framed copy of the score to the opera Anna Boleyn.
Callas’s 1957 performance of the tragedy, composed by Gaetano Donizetti, is considered one of the highlights of his career.
Another print up for sale shows the Lyceum Theater in London on March 21, 1817, when it hosted an exhibition of writer and inventor Adam Walker’s eidouranion, which is a type of solar system.
The furniture to be auctioned includes pieces by Italian luxury designer Francesco Molon. His items have also graced the Ritz-Carlton in New York and the Palazzo Portinari Salviati in Florence.
The Savoy recently reopened its Thames Foyer following a major renovation.
The glass-domed atrium has served afternoon tea for more than a century and reopened under the new name Gallery this weekend.
A Georgian Chippendale style camel back Donghia sofa (pictured) which will go on sale as part of the auction
Decorative art, curtains, collectibles, textiles and furniture are among the thousands of items being handed out next month.
Commenting on the renovation, managing director Franck Arnold says: “This will be a complete transformation of the Thames Foyer and Upper Thames and we are very excited to unveil our vibrant new dining destination and outlets later this year.”
“The new dining concept will harmoniously combine tradition with innovation, ensuring that our guests have the perfect environment to relax, drink and dine, and enjoy a truly unique Savoy experience.”
The Savoy is a haven for the great and good and has seen many stars pass through its doors over the years, including Marilyn Monroe, the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII), Coco Chanel and Fred Estaire.
When it opened in 1889, it was Britain’s first luxury hotel and included many innovations, such as electric lights, electric lifts, bathrooms in most rooms and constant hot running water.
The Thames Foyer blazed its own trail in history by hosting the first dinner dance in 1912, when a daring couple stood up to dance in a small space between tables, while legendary chef Auguste created world-famous dishes such as Peach Melba. Escoffier, during his stay at the hotel from 1890 to 1898.