A world famous London hotel has listed over 3,000 items for sale including 1,371 pieces of furniture and 344 works of fine art ahead of its latest renovation.
The Savoy, located in the Strand, has always been determined to stay ahead of the times and as it looks to renovate once more, it’s furnishings are going up for auction.
It has seen four major refurbishments over its 135-year history, in 1910, 1936, 1950 and 2010 — and 2024 is no exception.
Decorative art, curtains, collectables, textile items 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 Donghia camelback sofa.
The hotel announced in August: ‘The Savoy has also confirmed a refurbishment of rooms and suites as part of a continued commitment to invest in the property and ensure the best experience for guests.
‘This has commenced and is to be done in stages to have little to no impact to the operational running of the hotel. The first new rooms and suites will be revealed in August 2025.’
However, it has remained quiet on what the refurbished rooms may look like.
The Savoy, located in the Strand, has always been determined to stay ahead of the times and as it looks to renovate once more, it’s furnishings are going up for auction
The hotel has seen four major refurbishments over its 135-year history, in 1910, 1936, 1950 and 2010 — and 2024 is no exception. Pictured is the Monet suit which is being refurbished
Pictured: A portrait of Charlie Chaplin which is going up for sale at the auction next month
The Times reported one of the suites under renovation is named after soprano Maria Callas.
Remnants of her time at The Savoy are up for sale including a framed portrait of her and framed copy of the score of the opera Anna Bolena.
Callas’ 1957 performance of the tragedy, composed by Gaetano Donizetti, is considered one of the highlights of her career.
Another print which is up for sale depicts the Lyceum Theatre in London on March 21, 1817, when it hosted an exhibition of the writer and inventor inventor Adam Walker’s eidouranion, which is a type of solar system.
Furniture going up for auction include 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 significant renovation.
The glass-domed atrium has been serving afternoon tea for over a century and reopened under the new name of Gallery this weekend.
A Georgian Chippendale-style Donghia camelback sofa (pictured) which is going up for sale as part of the auction
Decorative art, curtains, collectables, textile items and furniture are among the thousands of items up for grabs next month
Commenting on the renovation, managing director, Franck Arnold, says, ‘This is going to be a complete transformation of the Thames Foyer and Upper Thames and we are so excited to unveil our new, vibrant dining destination and outlets later in the year.
‘The new dining concept will harmoniously blend tradition with innovation, ensuring our guests have the perfect setting in which to relax, drink and dine, and enjoy a truly unique Savoy experience’.
The Savoy is a haunt 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 including many innovations such as electric lights, electric lifts, bathrooms in most of the rooms and constant hot running water.
The Thames Foyer paved its own way in history, hosting the first ever dinner dance in 1912, when a daring couple got up to dance in a small gap between tables, while world-renowned dishes such as Peach Melba were created by legendary chef, Auguste Escoffier, during his time at the hotel from 1890 to 1898.
