Own The Savoy (or at least part of it): The world-famous London hotel is putting 3,000 items up for auction in a renovation drive, including 1,371 pieces of furniture and 344 works of art
A world-famous hotel in London has put more than 3,000 items up for sale ahead of its latest renovation, including 1,371 pieces of furniture and 344 works of art.
Located in the Strand, the Savoy has always been determined to stay ahead of the times and as it looks like it is in need of another renovation, the furniture is being auctioned off.
It has undergone four major renovations in its 135-year history, in 1910, 1936, 1950 and 2010 – and 2024 is no exception.
Decorative arts, curtains, collectibles, textiles and furniture are among the thousands of items on sale next month.
They can be viewed on the BidSpotter website, including a portrait of Charlie Chaplin and a Donghia camelback sofa in Georgian Chippendale style.
The hotel announced in August: ‘The Savoy has also confirmed a renovation of its 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 phases to have little to no impact on the hotel’s operations. The first new rooms and suites will be unveiled in August 2025.’
However, it has remained quiet about what the renovated rooms might look like.
Located in the Strand, the Savoy has always been determined to stay ahead of the times and as it looks to renovate again, its furnishings are being auctioned
The hotel has undergone four major renovations in its 135-year history: in 1910, 1936, 1950 and 2010 – and 2024 is no exception. Pictured is the Monet suit being refurbished
Pictured: a portrait of Charlie Chaplin up for sale at auction next month
The times reported that one of the suites being renovated is named after soprano Maria Callas.
Remnants of 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 Bolena.
Callas’ performance of the 1957 tragedy, composed by Gaetano Donizetti, is considered one of the highlights of her career.
Another print 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, a kind of solar system.
Furniture up for auction includes pieces by Italian luxury designer Francesco Molon. His objects also adorned the Ritz-Carlton in New York and the Palazzo Portinari Salviati in Florence.
The Savoy recently reopened the Thames Foyer after a major renovation.
The glass-domed atrium has been serving afternoon tea for more than a century and reopened this weekend under its new name Gallery.
A Georgian Chippendale style Donghia camelback sofa (pictured) offered for sale as part of the auction
Decorative arts, curtains, collectibles, textiles and furniture are among the thousands of items on sale next month
Commenting on the renovation, Managing Director Franck Arnold said: ‘This will 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 this year.
‘The new dining concept will harmoniously combine tradition with innovation, providing our guests with the perfect setting to relax, drink and dine, and enjoy a truly unique Savoy experience.’
A venue for the great and the good, the Savoy 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 with many innovations such as electric lighting, electric lifts, bathrooms in most rooms and constant hot running water.
The Thames Foyer blazed its way through history, hosting the very first dinner dance in 1912, when a daring couple stood up to dance in a small gap between the tables, while world-famous dishes such as Peach Melba were created by legendary chef Auguste. Escoffier, during his stay at the hotel from 1890 to 1898.
