Issue 40 winter 23 web - Flipbook - Page 39
Upon entering the building the grand staircase - a striking
red carpeted split two way staircase - lays in the heart of
a symmetric reception room adorned by chandeliers.
“One of the most prominent features to visitors at the
hotel is the decorative plaster ceilings above the grand
staircase. The dramatic coffered archways and arresting
barrel vault ceiling is topped off with an enriched oculus,
restored back to its best by Artisan’s master plasterers.
Artisan Plastercraft restored the decorative plaster ceiling
and coffered archways to ensure the drama of the room
was as intense as it was during those historic moments in
the building. The accompanying marbled bannister and
railings as well as the imposing chandelier help the visitor
to imagine those historic moments.
“The work has been carried out to an exceptionally high
standard and this continues through to the Whitehall
Ballroom ceiling, where we installed a bespoke-designed
coffered suspended ceiling with lighting troughs and
custom moulded access panels to match the textured
acoustic surface finish.
The public can use the wood panelled Guards Bar which
has small individually lit tables with red leather chairs as
well as the restored ceiling featuring a ceiling rose which
draws attention to the magnificent chandelier.
“Other notable highlights include the ornamental ceiling
decorations for the Drawing Room and Guards Bar,
flagship social spaces with views overlooking Whitehall
and Horse Guards respectively.
Similarly, the Spy Bar - with a slightly scaled down
specially made Aston Martin DB5 mounted above the
bar - has been totally transformed with plaster brick
panelwork completed by Artisan. The dim lighting and
reflective surfaces help the visitor to conjure the image of
spies having secret meetings in this luxurious place last
century - especially as the bar is in fact accessed via an
unmarked door in a subterranean corridor.
“In addition to the development of the public hotel
facilities, bedrooms and corridors also received restoration
and replacement of match-to-existing decorative cornice,
ceiling mouldings, beam casings and more, in what was a
comprehensive and extensive project for our staff. ”
These restored public areas have been opened to the
public to use daily and those staying in the hotel - where
rooms start at £1,000 a night - would get to see the
transformation of the private bedrooms too.
And for those visiting without staying in the luxury rooms,
the Whitehall Ballroom is a place to admire the restoration work carried out to give the intimate feel of a 1950s
ball surrounded by modern luxury with lighting troughs
and custom panels to emphasise the bright lighting and
Below, the Drawing Room
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