The Savoy Hotel in London is gearing up for a landmark event: an extraordinary auction featuring over 1,800 items from its historic rooms, set to take place on 7-8 August. The sale precedes a 24-month staged refurbishment of the hotel, which will remain open throughout the renovation.
In anticipation of this event, we spoke with Simon Rose, the auction director at Pro Auction, the specialist hospitality auction house overseeing the sale.
Barnebys: Can you tell us a bit about the history of The Savoy Hotel and its place in the hospitality industry?
Simon Rose: The Savoy Hotel, an iconic establishment in the heart of London, has a long history that has made it a beacon of luxury and innovation in the hospitality industry. Opened in 1889 by Richard D'Oyly Carte, it was the first luxury hotel in Britain to offer electric lights, electric elevators, and bathrooms with constant hot and cold running water.
The hotel's opulence quickly made it a favorite among the elite, hosting royalty, famous writers, and Hollywood stars, including Sir Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra, and Marilyn Monroe. The appointment of Auguste Escoffier as head chef revolutionised the dining experience, establishing The Savoy as a culinary leader.
For over 130 years, The Savoy has been more than just a place to stay; it has been a cultural landmark and continues to embody the pinnacle of hospitality excellence.
What prompted the decision to auction off The Savoy’s inventory?
This auction marks the beginning of a 24-month refurbishment project aimed at enhancing the hotel while it remains open to guests. The sale will feature bespoke luxury furniture and handcrafted pieces, including elegant mirrors, plush sofas, unique art pieces, and exquisite silk drapery. Additionally, tables, chairs, and lighting fixtures will be available.
Aligned with Accor’s ‘Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility Charter’ and ‘Responsible Procurement Charter,’ this auction is part of The Savoy's commitment to sustainable practices. By repurposing and upcycling existing furniture, The Savoy sets an example of sustainable luxury.
The renovation aims to preserve the historic elements of the hotel while updating its facilities to meet modern luxury standards, blending old-world charm with contemporary comfort. This approach ensures The Savoy continues to set the bar in the hospitality industry.
Pro Auction has handled auctions for other prestigious hotels like The Westbury of Mayfair and The Dorchester. Can you share the impact of these auctions, both financially and environmentally?
We are delighted to work in the hospitality arena, helping hotel owners and operators achieve a positive return on investment (ROI) on redundant assets while offering sustainable alternatives to landfill disposal. Our collaborative approach involves a wide range of stakeholders, including owners and operators, construction and property consultants, architects, designers, fit-out contractors, project managers, procurement firms, and investment advisors.
Our expertise in valuing, marketing, and selling surplus assets enables clients to receive the best possible price with no interruption to daily operations. By appointing Pro Auction, clients benefit from significant cost savings, enhanced sustainability and environmental credentials, and a fast proactive response.
Auctions have a profound impact on both the global economy and the environment. Financially, they create competitive pricing, offer wide audience reach, provide savings opportunities, and generate significant revenue for asset owners. By embracing the auction model, forward-thinking brands also gain ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) benefits. Environmentally, auctions promote reuse and recycling, extending product lifespans and reducing waste in landfills.
Over 1,800 objects will be auctioned in August. What types of items can collectors expect?
The auction, phased to match the refurbishment program, offers a wide array of luxurious and sophisticated pieces from leading manufacturers of high-end furniture. Collectors can expect to find:
Meticulously crafted furniture: Bespoke pieces that evoke a sense of history and grandeur, inspired by 18th and 19th-century designs. The collection includes ornate chests, elegant dining sets, desks, and mirrors, each adding a touch of timeless elegance.
Original artwork: A curated selection featuring renowned local and international artists, spanning genres from classic to contemporary. These artworks offer collectors a chance to own unique and significant pieces that enhance any living space's aesthetic appeal.
Exquisite drapery and textiles: A varied selection of The Savoy Hotel's drapery, crafted from luxurious silk fabrics and adorned with intricate designs, sure to add sophistication and character to interiors.
Fine China and crockery: A collection of fine China and crockery sets, some with historical significance or crafted by esteemed manufacturers like Wedgwood. These pieces offer both functionality and collectability, allowing buyers to acquire items that are as practical as they are exquisite, with a touch of The Savoy’s history.
Unique lighting fixtures: Ranging from antique chandeliers to modern designer lamps, the sale features numerous pieces capable of adding character and elegance to any space.
Talk to us about the lots from the Personality Suites. Could you share some of the highlights on offer?
Among the remarkable lots on sale are treasures from the Personality Suites, named after some of the most famous guests ever to have stayed at The Savoy. Inspired by icons from politics, art, film, theatre, and opera, these suites are furnished with special pieces, artwork, and antiques associated with their namesake.
The four Personality Art Deco Suites embody the wit of Noël Coward, the beauty of Marlene Dietrich, the style of Frank Sinatra, and the charisma of Richard Harris. Meanwhile, the five Personality Edwardian Suites offer the stunning panoramic River Thames views that inspired Monet and have been enjoyed by Maria Callas, Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, and Katharine Hepburn.
Each suite is meticulously designed to reflect the tastes and preferences of these iconic personalities. Items include Murano glass chandeliers, silk wall coverings, Italian linens, and marble floors, all used in the suites' recent renovations by designer Pierre Yves Rochon. These elements seamlessly blend Edwardian and Art Deco aesthetics with modern luxury.
Simon, as the director of Pro Auction, what excites you the most about this upcoming auction at The Savoy?
This is a landmark event for both The Savoy and us. The Savoy is synonymous with luxury, history, prestige, and lifestyle, offering enthusiasts from around the world a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of its magic.
The excitement is palpable. As soon as we announced the auction, collectors and enthusiasts from across the globe showed incredible interest, and the bidding is expected to be intense.
What excites me most is the deep emotional connection people have with The Savoy. This auction is not only about the value of the items but also about the legacy of this iconic establishment. We feel privileged to bring The Savoy’s treasures to market and be a part of its continuing story.
Given the growing commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility, how do you see the trend of luxury hotel auctions evolving in the coming years?
The luxury hospitality industry is experiencing a paradigm shift driven by an increasing commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). This trend is profoundly impacting the way luxury hotel auctions are conducted and perceived. Here’s how we see luxury hotel auctions evolving in the coming years:
As the world shifts to a more resource-efficient, low-carbon economy, extending product lifespans and maintaining value within a circular economy is increasingly important. The auction industry, being the ultimate re-use industry, plays a vital role in accelerating the growth of the circular economy by giving millions of items multiple lives each year. Online auctions are facilitating a growing market for second-hand goods, and we are passionate about spreading the word about the sustainable impact of auctions.
Given the growing commitment to sustainability and CSR, the trend of luxury hotel auctions is set to expand significantly. More hotel owners and operators are expected to embrace the auction model when refreshing their hotels. Luxury hotels are recognising that sustainability is no longer just a buzzword but a fundamental aspect that discerning travellers increasingly demand. Properties that excel in sustainable practices are set to become highly coveted.
Today’s consumers are more informed and conscientious about where they spend their money. Transparency in operations, sourcing, and employee welfare will become significant selling points. Auctions will become more commonplace, ensuring that landfill is no longer an option during refurbishments. This ensures that ESG goals are achieved while also providing a reasonable ROI on redundant furniture pieces. This shift is a win-win for both the industry and the planet, fostering a new era where luxury and sustainability go hand in hand.
The auction will be held in The Savoy's iconic ballroom on 7-8 August, starting at 10.00 BST. Day one will feature lots 1–646, day two from lot 647 onwards. Viewing is by appointment on 7 August. Bidding will available in person and online.
