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  • The history of Claridge's

  • It started life as a single house, but Claridge’s was soon transformed into an art deco masterpiece favoured by royalty and the most distinguished figures of every generation.

  • 1800 - 1900

    Claridges history - letterbox

  • 
    • 1800s

      Small beginnings
      William and Marianne Claridge are running a hotel in a single house at 51 Brook Street. In an ambitious move to expand their business, they buy the adjoining five buildings in 1854. Claridge’s opens in its own right in 1856.

    • 1860

      Royal visits
      As Claridge's reputation grows, it is visited by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The hotel soon becomes a favourite of heads of state and royalty throughout Europe.

    • 1898

      Grand reopening
      Bought in 1893 by Richard D'Oyly Carte, owner of the Savoy, the hotel is promptly closed to allow a significant re-design led by CW Stephens – the man responsible for Harrods – and the hotel re-opens in 1898.

  • 1920 - 1940  

     art deco image

  • 
    • 1920s

      Flapper's delight
      In the vibrant years after the end of the First World War, flappers, bobs and the bright young things of London make Claridge's their place to party and the ballroom echoes to the songs of Gershwin, the sounds of jazz and the steps of the Charleston.

    • 1929

      Decorative transformation
      Eighty new rooms and a stunning ballroom are added. Oswald Milne, a pioneer of the art deco movement, transforms the lobby. Much of the decoration, including work by Basil Ionides and a beautiful Lalique door panel, remains to this day.

    • 1940s

      Refuge for kings
      Claridge's reputation as a haven for dignitaries is enhanced when many exiled heads of state use it as a refuge during the Second World War. The Kings of Greece, Norway and Yugoslavia remain there for the duration.

  • 1945 - 1970

     Claridges history - letterbox - 1940s

  • 
    • 1945

      Prince's birthplace
      At the request of Winston Churchill, suite 212 is declared Yugoslavian territory so that Crown Prince Alexander II could be born on his own country's soil. Churchill stays at Claridge's following his election defeat.

    • 1950s

      Hollywood home from home
      Along with leaders in fashion and finance, Hollywood stars adopt Claridge's as their London residence. Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn, Yul Brynner and Bing Crosby are all guests. Spencer Tracy says he'd rather go to Claridge's than to heaven when he dies.

    • 1970s

      Designer coup
      Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg begins her long relationship with Claridge's, resulting in her first interiors work being commissioned by the hotel. Her fellow guests include Aristotle and Jackie Onassis, and The Queen Mother, whose favourite table in the restaurant is always dressed with sweet peas.

  • 1990 - 2012

    Claridges history - letterhox - 1990s

  • 
    • 1990s

      Loving restoration
      In 1996, Claridge’s enjoys a restoration led by designer Thierry Despont. He creates Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's, The Foyer, The Reading Room and The Fumoir. In 1999, designer David Collins transforms the Causerie into Claridge’s Bar, with a brief to slip quietly into the new millennium while keeping a firm hold on the last one.

    • 2000

      The It-hotel
      Claridge’s is adopted by a new generation of models, designers, musicians and artists. Kate Moss celebrates her 30th birthday here. Jade Jagger and Lulu Guinness describe the hotel as their ultimate treat and Alex James says Claridge’s is just “perfect”. Diane von Furstenberg launches the 20 rooms and suites she transformed in her first interiors project.

    • 2012

      Fashion leader
      David Linley, a long-time friend of Claridge’s, completes his work on the 25 Linley Suites. There will be more evidence of his eye for detail and contemporary touches with the launch of the new business centre. David Downton continues as Claridge's first fashion artist-in-residence.

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Claridge's, Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR, +44 (0)20 7629 8860

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