Savoy Magazine Issue 2 2016

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Luxury

MASTERPIECE MILLIONS Christie’s global president on the art of auctioneering

Destination

COVENT GARDENERS

Experience the fairy-tale feel of this iconic London district

Journey

AGE OF DISCOVERY

There’s a spirit of adventure to The Savoy’s new cocktail

Celebrity

CUBA GOODING JR

The Oscar winner reveals all about playing O. J. Simpson

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SAVOY

COVENT GARDEN

WELCOME ✦

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A truly vibrant place to be

W

elcome to this issue of Savoy Magazine.

We were thrilled with the launch of our brand new luxury lifestyle publication earlier this year, so, as promised, we’re back with a second issue, packed with exclusive interviews, expert opinions and the latest in food and wine, yachts and motors.

Spring has sprung here in London, and it really is a magical time to be in the city. The promise of longer (and warmer, we hope!) days, as well as parks and gardens coming to life, and a real buzz about town with all the events and festivals that this time of year brings, makes it a truly vibrant place to be.

Here at The Savoy, we’re lucky enough to be able to enjoy the spectacular views up and down the Thames from our River View rooms and suites – all the way to St Paul’s and the City from your left, and to Westminster and the Houses of Parliament to your right, taking in all seven bridges and London’s iconic landmarks.

From the other side and front entrance of the hotel, it’s just a few steps into bustling Covent Garden, where you’ll find high-end shopping and culture; location-wise, it doesn’t get any better. This month, we’ve brought you a real insider’s guide to Covent Garden to ensure you explore all the hidden gems and come to love this special part of London as much as we do.

Within the doors of The Savoy, we’re excited to launch a new suite in May. To be known as The Artist’s Residence, this stunning two-bedroom accommodation will be set

on the riverside of the hotel, paying tribute to all the many artists, both past and present, who have been inspired and continue to take inspiration from The Savoy over the years. We’ll have all the details and photos for you in our next issue, so stay tuned, although if you fancy a sneak peek, the suite is available to book from May 5.

We boast an artistic heritage that any hotel would be proud of, from Whistler painting the hotel scaffolding before it opened, to Monet painting his famous series of London bridges as he resided in this very same suite.

Today, we have our contemporary art collection, and Sally Vaughan from Go Figurative is back to tell you all about the latest piece of artwork here at The Savoy.

As well as bringing you all our news for spring in this issue, we also hear from Cuba Gooding Jr about his new TV series, The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story, while global president of Christie’s, Jussi Pylkkänen, looks back on an illustrious career at one of the world’s most iconic auction houses.

We hope you enjoy the second issue of Savoy Magazine and look forward to seeing you again in the summer.

KIARAN MACDONALD MANAGING DIRECTOR THE SAVOY

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CONTENTS

72

10

THE EVENTS From cocktails to cabaret

14

THE SUITES Sleep in star-studded style

22

THE TEAM Head Butler Sean Davoren

28

THE DRINK Savoy Tea signature blends

32

THE FOOD Savoy Grill’s Kim Woodward

36

THE RECIPE Classic Savoy beef Wellington

40

THE JOURNEY Age of Discovery cocktail

44

THE JETS New supersonic aviation

46

THE ART Legend of Melba triptych

52

THE BRAND Christie’s art auctioneering

57

THE FASHION Hot trends at summer races

64

THE CELEBRITY Cuba Gooding Jr goes O. J.

72

THE YACHTS Our pick of 10 top vessels

78

THE MOTOR Bentley Blue Train Speed Six

80

THE JEWELS Diamonds really are forever

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57 EDITOR

44

Frederick Latty flatty@markerstudy.com HEAD OF DESIGN Rowena Cremer-Price rcremer-price@markerstudy.com PUBLISHING DESIGN MANAGER Xela Ruy xruy@markerstudy.com PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR Natalia Bedwell nbedwell@markerstudy.com

32

COMMERCIAL Amanda Morreale amorreale@markerstudy.com Gemma Hak ghak@markerstudy.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Richard Moore rmoore@markerstudy.com

14 84

99

THE SHOWCASE Baselworld 2016 roundup

THE DESTINATION A Covent Garden fairy-tale

86

104

THE WEDDINGS Planning versus designing

THE INSTITUTION Behind the scenes at ROH

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Nick Moore nmoore@markerstudy.com

CONTRIBUTORS Bentley Alison Chambers PRINCIPAL

92

THE PROPERTIES London’s quirkiest to buy

111

THE SHOWS Breath-taking exhibitions

Emerald Media

Jane Stanbury PRINCIPAL

Emerald Media

Catherine de Crèvecoeur IMAGE CONSULTANT AND STYLIST

www.stylepourmoi.com

ONE MEDIA AND CREATIVE UK LTD 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU +44 (0)1892 779 650 • www.one-media.co Savoy Magazine is owned by The Savoy and published/distributed by One Media and Creative UK Ltd. All rights reserved.

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the owner or publisher. All prices are correct at the time of going to print. Neither the publisher nor the owner can accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher or owner.

No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit.

Bruce Russell WEDDING AND PARTY PLANNER

www.bybrucerussell.com

Susan Scott ARCHIVIST

The Savoy

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SAVOY EVENTS

■

HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS

■

Throughout 2016, The Savoy will be holding a series of culinary events and master classes, and offering unique opportunities for guests to dine on specially-created menus, matched with wines and Champagnes from some of the world’s finest vineyards. Read on to find out what’s coming up...

Cocktail master class SATURDAY MAY 14, THURSDAY JUNE 9 AND SATURDAY JULY 9 The master class will be hosted by a senior bartender from the American or Beaufort Bar. A must for those who enjoy innovative cocktails, classic or new, the event includes lessons on how to make four drinks, learning about the history of spirits and the influence The Savoy had on the cocktail world. The class finishes with a three-course meal in Kaspar’s Seafood Bar and Grill.

11am to 1pm, £185 per person. Capacity for four people.

To make a reservation or for more details about the culinary events and master classes at The Savoy, please telephone +44 (0)20 7420 2111 or email savoy@fairmont.com

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Historical tours with The Savoy’s archivist MONDAY MAY 9, MONDAY JUNE 6 AND MONDAY JULY 4 In celebration of 125 years since opening, The Savoy now offers historical tours with archivist Susan Scott. Up to eight guests can take an exclusive walk around the hotel, seeing some of the most notable rooms, hearing tales from its long history and finishing with a glass of Champagne in the Museum Bar. 4pm to 5.30pm. One-hour tour starting at 4pm, followed by Q&A in the Savoy Museum with a glass of Champagne. £40 per person.

Dinner Dance SATURDAY APRIL 30 AND SATURDAY JUNE 25 Following in the footsteps of Carroll Gibbons and his legendary Savoy Orpheans, the young Alex Mendham & His Orchestra has taken up the baton as resident dance orchestra for The Savoy, playing the sounds of the Art Deco era with unmatched sophistication. Cut a rug under the stunning glass cupola in the Thames Foyer with a three-course dinner and a floor that will encourage dancing until midnight.

8pm. Cocktail reception, dinner and entertainment start at 8.30pm. £125 per person.

Evenings of cabaret and burlesque at The Savoy SUNDAY JUNE 5 AND SUNDAY JULY 3 Over 80 years after they first started at The Savoy, cabaret evenings return to the Beaufort Bar. Hosted by Miss Polly Rae – one of the most renowned burlesque and cabaret stars in the UK today – the line-up changes each month and includes some of the hottest names from the London cabaret scene. Guest stars include Chris Hamilton with his sparkling piano playing, and scintillating vocals from Shimi Goodman, currently in the West End production of From Here to Eternity. Our cabaret evenings will also feature performances from the glamorous international burlesque/ cabaret star and classical pianist Chrys Columbine, musical magic from Alexis and Maya, breath-taking acrobatic skills from Sammy Dineen and world award-winning juggling from Florian.

Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 7.30pm. £30 per person.

Chocolate master class SATURDAY JUNE 11 Learn how to create amazing sweet treats under the guidance of one of our award-winning chocolatiers. The class will start with an introduction to chocolate, including the history, cultivation and signature of taste, before hands-on demonstrations, including working with chocolate, emulsions and tempering. The class will then move on to creating two unique recipes consisting of the perfect ganache, mousses and sauces.

10am to 12pm. £185 per person. Capacity for four people.

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London Bridge Hospital part of

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NOW OPEN Pioneering private Outpatients & Diagnostics Centre at The Shard

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JEWELLERY

ééé “Maria Callas stayed frequently at The Savoy, especially while appearing at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden”

MARIA CALLAS SUITE

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SAVOY

ROOMS JEWELLERY

Suites to the

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Since opening its doors in 1889, The Savoy has hosted many of the world’s most famous icons and glamorous celebrities. Archivist Susan Scott explains how the eight Personality Suites capture the essence of some of the hotel’s esteemed guests, and help add ‘that extra little burst of stardust’ Tell us the inspiration behind these rooms

House in Covent Garden, and her suite reflects the relationship that both she and

The Personality Suites were created to

The Savoy have always enjoyed with the

reflect just a few of the many famous

arts in London.

and celebrated individuals who have come to The Savoy throughout its history, to stay and/or simply enjoy our hospitality. We want everyone who comes

Katharine Hepburn is another notable woman who has a suite named after her. A photograph from the hotel archives shows this remarkable actress sitting in

here to enjoy the same exceptional standards

her Savoy suite in the late 1940s, wearing her

of luxury and service that we’ve offered for over

trademark trousers. Miss Hepburn may not have

125 years to each and every guest.

been the most conventional of women in either her dress or private life, but she certainly enjoyed all the

Who are the suites named after and

traditional comforts of The Savoy while in London.

how do they capture the essence of

Charlie Chaplin had just given up his home in

their assigned guests?

America when he arrived at The Savoy in 1952

The influential impressionist artist Claude Monet

with his wife and four of their children, plus an

was an obvious choice. Guests will be able to stay

older son by a previous marriage. After three

in the rooms from which he made his famous

months living in their river-facing Savoy suite, the

series of paintings of London bridges during

Chaplin family moved on to a new permanent

lengthy stays between 1899 and 1901, and

home in Switzerland, but Chaplin returned almost

admire the same views up and down the Thames.

every year to The Savoy, most notably in 1975 to

Maria Callas has also had a traditionally decorated suite named after her. She stayed frequently at The Savoy, especially while appearing at the Royal Opera

receive his knighthood.

Another knight of the realm to have a suite named after him is Winston Churchill, arguably

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CREATED FOR INDIVIDUALS, ARTISANS, LOVERS, LEADERS, ADVENTURERS AND FAMILIES - PERFECT FOR CELEBRATIONS. 'We favour the creative, the bold, the ingenious, the soulful. We fall in love with the wild places, the green projects and the people that champion them. We do more than book you a luxury holiday we create an experience you will never forget, precious one-off moments that make the most of life and the people you share it with'.

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JEWELLERY

WINSTON CHURCHILL SUITE

Britain’s greatest Prime Minister and a

Coward’s association with The Savoy

regular visitor to the hotel throughout

also lasted his entire life, from the

allocated to legendary singer Frank

his entire life. Having founded ‘The

days when, barely a teenager, he had

Sinatra. His second wife, Ava Gardner,

Other Club’, a private dining club, in

appeared as a toadstool on the stage at

was also a regular Savoy guest when

the Pinafore private dining room at The

the Savoy Theatre. He quickly became

in England, but post-divorce Sinatra

Savoy in 1910, he attended its dinners as

a habitué of the hotel, especially the

enjoyed swinging 1960s London from

often as possible until his death – in fact,

Savoy Grill, where everyone who was

his Savoy suite. Retired Savoy staff

his final public appearance was at such

anyone in the London theatre scene

recall him returning late at night from

a dinner in December 1964. During the

could be found at lunch or post-theatre

London concerts in the early 1980s, and

Second World War, he lunched at The

suppers, and regularly enjoyed dinner

unwinding by playing into the early hours

Savoy so frequently with members of his

and dancing to The Savoy’s famous big

on the piano in the Thames Foyer.

cabinet, that a suite was permanently

bands, which took place nightly in the

reserved for him to enjoy one of his

Savoy restaurant. Coward starred in

named for its long-term resident, Richard

famous post-prandial catnaps.

The Savoy’s Coronation Ball Cabaret in

Harris. Famous as a notorious 1960s

An Art Deco suite is the perfect setting

Another Art Deco suite has been

The final Art Deco suite has been

1953, alongside fellow legend Maurice

hell-raiser, Harris actually made some

for one of the 20th century’s most

Chevalier, and had his 70th birthday

shrewd financial investments throughout

famous professional Englishmen – the

party, attended by everyone, from Sir

his career, and, having left his

playwright, composer and all-round

Laurence Olivier to Lord Mountbatten,

hell-raising days behind him, moved into

entertainer, Noël Coward.

at The Savoy in 1969.

The Savoy in 1989, making this suite his permanent London residence. A familiar sight around The Savoy and The Strand,

FRANK SINATRA SUITE

he enjoyed the luxury and comfort of his Central London home, with its view of the Thames and 24-hour service, for over a decade until his death in 2002.

How do the interior design choices reflect the glamour of these iconic guests, while remaining fresh and contemporary?

As the first purpose-built deluxe hotel in London, The Savoy has always prided itself on offering the best of everything to its guests. All rooms have luxurious marble bathrooms and all the modern amenities and electronic



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JEWELLERY CLAUDE MONET SUITE

just as once that person lived here, and to immerse yourself in their life, as well as their lifestyle while you’re in residence.

Why have so many famous faces been attracted to The Savoy, and how has this impacted on its legacy?

The Savoy was built and originally marketed to attract all the most CHARLIE CHAPLIN SUITE

glamorous and influential people of the day, from the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII), to legendary actress Sarah Bernhardt, and fashionable playwright

equipment you would expect in rooms of

Charlie Chaplin lived for three months

Oscar Wilde. The hotel’s prime location,

this calibre. However, what truly sets The

with his family in an Edwardian-style

by the side of the River Thames in the

Savoy apart is that these standard items

suite overlooking the river, back in the

heart of London, was the perfect setting

are integrated into authentic 19th and

1950s; Richard Harris chose to live in

for an international superstar like Dame

early 20th-century rooms, which have

an Art Deco suite set further back from

Nellie Melba, who required the most

been thoughtfully decorated to reflect

the river, located in the ‘newer’ Strand

luxurious accommodation, within easy

their previous decor.

Block of the hotel, built in 1904, and

reach of the Royal Opera House, or

Original River View Suite rooms are

substantially redecorated in the 1920s

for a visiting politician or potentate to

decorated in an elegant Edwardian

and early 1930s. Then, as now, rooms

quickly reach the Houses of Parliament or

style, with harmonious soft furnishings

offer differing design styles and locations

Buckingham Palace. The Savoy is proud

in gentle floral designs. Art Deco

in the hotel, with regular clients tending

of its history, and has been a magnet for

rooms reflect the excitement around

more to one preference or another.

the great and the good (and sometimes,

the sea-change in style after World War

the not-so-good!) for over 125 years.

One, with its modern, new designs for

What makes these spaces so special

furniture and textiles. Darker colours are

for Savoy guests today?

still harmonious, but the floral designs

Each suite contains images and items

are now stylised, and more made of

redolent of the personality for whom it

mirror-polished surfaces and metalwork.

was named, and books, CDs and DVDs

To enquire about room reservations

Art Deco rooms even feature the modish

regarding the personality, or indeed,

or find out about our accommodation

aluminium waste-paper baskets, which

containing performances by them, to

services, visit www.fairmont.com/savoy-

have been a feature of Savoy guest

help bring them to life. All The Savoy’s

london/accommodations

rooms since at least the early 1930s.

rooms and suites exceed expectations,

The two styles reflect the previous

but our eight personality suites bring with

You can also learn more about

design of rooms in these relative

them that extra little burst of stardust –

The Savoy’s history at www.fairmont.

positions in the hotel through their history.

the chance to live in a suite at The Savoy

com/savoy-london/hotelhistory

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ATELIER INTERIORS The Curtain & Soft Furnishing Specialists Atelier Interiors provide an expert, personalised, curtain and soft furnishing design and workroom service.

Under the dedicated and caring ownership and supervision of Kate Morris-Kassam, Atelier specialises in the fabrication of curtains, blinds, and every sort of soft furnishing for interior designers, architects, property developers and many private clients.

For over 20 years Kate has worked with fabrics, textiles and colour and her passion and love for what she does is obvious in her attention to detail and insistence upon the highest level of workmanship from her expert team.

Atelier Interiors offers you an entirely personalised service from initial consultation through to final installation.

The perfect solution to your soft furnishing requirements.

• • • •

Free design advice and estimate Full measuring and fitting service Fabulous range of top fabrics supplied Satisfaction guaranteed

Tel: 01372 376738 or 07711 666157 Email : studio@atelierinteriors.co.uk www.atelierinteriors.co.uk

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SAVOIR BEDS

Sleep on a Savoy Bed every night

Ever since it first opened in 1889, The Savoy has been famous for luxury and innovation.

Not surprisingly, given the importance of a great night's sleep to a great hotel, way back in 1905, Rupert D'Oyly Carte, Chairman and son of the founder, decided it was time to create the world's most comfortable bed.

The Savoy Bed became legend, and soon the bedworks, owned by the hotel, was producing beds not just for the hotel but also for guests who wanted the same quality of sleep at home. The secret to the bed lay in the finest natural materials, including long, loose, curled horse tail, and unparalleled craftsmanship.

In 1997 the bedworks became independent as Savoir Beds. To this day Savoir continues to hand-craft the original Savoy Bed and still supplies the The Savoy with beds for all the Riverside Suites and The Royal Suite. Luminaries as diverse as Sir Winston Churchill, Giacomo Puccini and Marilyn Monroe have experienced the cloud-like comfort of our beds, and others such as Liza Minnelli and Emma Thompson have insisted on taking one home after a stay.

SLEEP BEAUTIFULLY You will find Savoir Beds at 7 Wigmore Street, Wl as well as in Harrods and at www.savoirbeds.co. uk

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JEWELLERY

SEAN DAVOREN

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SAVOY SERVICE

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From unpacking celebrities’ suitcases, to preparing the finest suites for royalty, head butler Sean Davoren has his fair share of Savoy stories to tell – but all that comes second to making your stay as unforgettable as possible. Frederick Latty lives a day in the life of a butler at the iconic London hotel

G

uests of The Savoy’s luxury suites

Perhaps the closest you’ll ever come to having your

will know all about the ‘butler’

very own genie in a bottle, The Savoy’s butlers are

button on the rooms’ telephones. It

trained to combine the discretion of a traditional

might sound like something out of a

English butler with the efficiency of a 21st-century

James Bond film, but rather than reveal a hidden

personal assistant. Led by Sean (who also oversees

bookcase entrance to a secret underground lair,

butler programmes for Etihad Airways), the 24-hour

this handy option summons your very own personal

team provides ‘personal service naturally’, arranging

butler to the door whenever you need them, who

dinner reservations, secretarial duties, personal

materialises moments later, seemingly out of thin

shopping, theatre tickets and last-minute travel.

air. Or, at least, that’s what they would have you

Operating both behind the scenes and in full

believe, as head butler Sean Davoren explains.

view, they’re the backbone and beating heart of

“A butler has a maximum of four and a half

the hotel’s world-famous hospitality. The service is

minutes to get to a room when they’re called, but

available around the clock to all guests and families

even that’s too long; I’d like you to get

staying in suites, ensuring each and every detail

there within three,” he says. “Butlers are meant to

of a visitor’s stay is attended to with equal parts

be behind the scenes, and you have to

precision, professionalism and panache.

look unflapped every time you see a guest.

He or she is the wind beneath your wing.”

“To me, training is everything,” continues Sean.

“London is a transient city; people come for the

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SAVOY

MEETSERVICE THE TEAM

“Butlers are meant to be behind the scenes, and you have to look unflapped every time you see a guest” Savoy name, and know you’re going to be trained to

When I meet Sean face to face one winter’s

a certain level, so you have to invest in people to get

morning in the Thames Foyer, the hotel’s afternoon

the best out of them. Retention is my goal and I’m

tea lounge, he’s every bit as elegant, charming and

a great believer in people growing, because people

charismatic as you’d expect a man of his stature

want that service element, that showmanship.”

to be. Hailing from Limerick, Ireland, he’s the

Indeed, The Savoy was the first hotel to establish

very essence of ‘Savoy’; his soft, dulcet tones and

its own school to train professionals. Recognised

immaculate appearance are certainly becoming of

worldwide, The Savoy Academy grooms a new

his post, while a pair of laughing eyes and a cheeky

generation of butlers who, over a six-month course,

smile convey a disarming sense of humour.

learn everything from floristry, sewing and suit

He’s flamboyant, to be sure, but never loses his

pressing, to valeting, antiquing and how to polish a

sense of composure or grace. The way he walks

pair of shoes. But for Sean, it’s all about nurturing

and talks is delicate, but by no means dainty;

what’s inside, as well as out.

commanding and purposeful, without compromising

“Our job is all about image, so you have to

on his ability to be out in the open, or completely

carry yourself,” he explains. “I want to see a

invisible. It’s a skill I suspect he’s taken years to

little bit of a spark in you, and I want to see

perfect, and while it might look effortless to the

your personality. Forget about the training

untrained eye, every fold of a garment, every spruce

– I can train a monkey to pack a suitcase if

of a room and every knock on a door is executed

I need to, but I can’t give you personality. I’ll

with pinpoint accuracy.

bring that personality out, give you confidence and make you a master of your trade.”

“Not everybody can make a grand entrance, but that’s what a butler does – you come in with your



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THE SAVOY WELCOME'S ETIHAD AIRWAYS TRAINEE BUTLERS

“If there wasn’t a service element to this building, it would be nothing; you have to work on the ambience, and I’m very proud of what I do” body language,” he reveals. “When you’re working

That he has. After gaining a diploma in food and

with many nationalities, you always want to make sure

beverage from Rockwell College in 1978, Sean

you’re understood. I still have an Irish accent because

began his career at Claridge’s two years later at the

I’m proud of my identity, but I’ve had to refine and

age of 19, where he rose to the position of foyer

work on it. I have to make sure people will understand

manager over the subsequent decade. Since then,

when I communicate.”

he’s been head butler at The Lanesborough and

He guides me through The Savoy’s bustling kitchen,

worked in Europe and the Middle East, but it was

where an elevator awaits to transport us up to the

The Savoy that called him back to London in 2010,

fifth floor. As we make our way to the hotel’s

when he came aboard as head butler for the hotel’s

pièce de résistance, the Royal Suite – a stately

£220million restoration.

procession of elegant rooms that spans the entire

“It’s been a great eye-opener,” he muses. “It was

riverside – he tells me about how he got started

a big challenge for me, but an exciting one because

in his role, never letting up in his professionalism,

I had raw materials to work with and was starting

yet remaining utterly captivating.

everything afresh. It’s a dying service, but service and

“The first part of my life was as a chef, but my

glamour are coming back into vogue again. If you

temperament means I like to be on show, so I went to

were to ask me to describe what a butler is now, he

front of house,” he informs me. “I’m Irish-born and

or she is a lifestyle manager.”

come from a farming background, so it was

There’s plenty of that going on when we reach the

far-removed and my parents were horrified that I

Royal Suite. Upon arrival, we’re presented with a sea

went into the business I did, but I’ve made a very

of suitcases and high-end shopping bags, all laid out

good profession out of it.”

for Sean to attend to while the current occupant is out

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SAVOY SERVICE

and about. He immediately gets to work, unpacking, hanging clothes and laying out toiletries just so.

“Our business is all about engagement,” he tells

“I have a reputation and I’m proud of it,” he insists.

“People might see me as ‘that mad Irishman’, but I know what I am, and I’m passionate about what

me. “You adapt for each nationality and have to

I believe in. If there wasn’t a service element to this

respect their religion, customs and little quirky ways.

building, it would be nothing; yes, the ambience is

It makes you a much more open person,

there, but you have to work on that ambience, and

so I try to put myself where a guest will sit and see

I’m very proud of what I do.”

what they might see. The room has to be fresh and

As our day progresses, we head back down to the

cleanliness is really important to us. Housekeeping is

Thames Foyer. He greets everyone we pass on the

a very hard job, and if you haven’t tapped into their

way, chatting with guests, checking in with colleagues

expectations, you’re going to have trouble.”

and generally working his magic at every turn. I soon

While we talk, I learn that the two most important

realise that Sean, far from a genie in a bottle, is more

features of any butler are their hands and shoes;

a magician, a conjurer and – dare I say it – a wizard

manicures are actively encouraged, and any

when it comes to his job. From the moment he dons

holes in socks will result in a swift reprimanding,

his uniform and gets into character, he’s as much a

no matter how small or apparently discreet.

chameleon as he is a thespian, able to adapt his role,

Perfection is everything, and Sean’s keen on building

while staying omniscient and omnipresent at all times.

relationships, so strives to make The Savoy a

After almost 40 years in the business, he never misses a

veritable home away from home for return visitors.

beat, never drops a ball and always knows everything

“My job is very simple: making sure what you require

that’s going on at The Savoy, which he personally

is there,” he emphasises. “You don’t know what I’ve

ensures runs like clockwork day in and day out.

done to achieve what you see, and I don’t want you

“I really love my work and still enjoy it,” he

to know it either; you’re trying

concludes. “You have to learn

to create a perfect ambiance.

to adapt, move with and

Some of our guests will notice,

understand the times and be

believe me, if something isn’t

very open-minded. You need

quite right, which is why we look

to embrace that and be more

at the detail.”

adaptable. You’re always looking

Attention to detail is an intrinsic

for something new that’s going

part of any butler’s life at The

to enhance your service, because

Savoy, it seems. From cleanliness

people love being special, which

and sanitation – no stone is left

is what we try to do here. I’m

unturned in that department,

looking for perfection.”

including door handles and

By the time we say our

telephones – to getting to know his guest’s every habit,

goodbyes, I feel like I’m walking off the set of

nuance and idiosyncrasy, Sean is naturally a master

Downton Abbey, star-struck by all I’ve seen and

of discretion. He tells me he’ll always do anything

heard. But as I head off to catch my train home, I

for whoever he’s attending to (providing it’s legal),

remember that Sean is paid to spin dreams, weave

safeguarding their privacy at all costs.

glitz and tailor-make the very essence of The Savoy.

Education is equally important. Sean insists on

I’m sure he takes none of it for granted, though,

‘re-educating’ people in the art of luxury, adapting

and am confident he’ll have found his ‘perfection’

to different nationalities and understanding different

countless times before I’ve reached the platform.

cultures; an essential point to grasp when you’re managing a team of 28 butlers, working for one of the world’s most iconic hotels in the multiculturalism

The Savoy’s butler service is included in The Savoy

of 21st-century London. To drive the point home,

Suite Welcome, available to guests staying in a

he applies the same open-mindedness to his own

Deluxe Junior Suite Partial River View or above.

role – he might choose to serve, but under no

To find out more about how to book

circumstances is he a servant, and is quick to remove

your very own butler during your stay, visit

the stigma.

www.fairmont.com/savoy/accommodations

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JEWELLERY

ANGEL CHENG

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SAVOY SERVICE TEA

TEA TIME on the THAMES Guests wanting to extend the Savoy experience beyond their initial stay won’t want to miss a trip to Savoy Tea, the hotel’s bespoke tea shop.

Director of retail Angel Cheng reveals how the store captures some of the magic to take home, and prolongs the Thames Foyer’s afternoon tea tradition

U

pon your arrival at The Savoy, on your way to the Thames Foyer, you’ll pass

by Savoy Tea, the hotel’s bijou tea store. Located in the Upper Thames Foyer, the shop is inspired by London’s Edwardian shopping arcades, its walls

covered in intricate fabric – a nod to the drink’s Asian origins – while inside, a wide variety of beautifully packaged teas and bespoke accessories awaits, plus handmade jams, biscuits and a fresh patisserie.

Heading up the operation is director of retail Angel Cheng, who has been with The Savoy for more than a decade.

Starting out as a hostess in the Thames Foyer, she gained first-hand experience of the elegance and service required to make the traditional custom such a timeless favourite for guests. When the hotel closed for refurbishment in 2010, Angel stayed on to oversee Savoy Tea’s transformation, taking on the role of director of retail in 2014.

“I learned how to make proper teas and the procedures of how traditional or high tea should be served in a very English way,” she says. “The concept has evolved, as we decided to turn the area into a tea shop that complements The Savoy’s afternoon tea experience, and would enable guests to take a little bit of The Savoy home as a reminder.”

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SAVOY

MEET THE TEA TEAM Indeed, Savoy Tea and the Thames

Savoy’s impeccable standards are met,

Foyer have been inextricably linked ever

resulting in a smooth taste that’s just

since, the former acting as a literal and

as appealing on its own as it is with a

commemorative extension of the latter.

splash of milk. And with an assortment

With its marble floor and use of dark wood

of additional paraphernalia on offer,

and glass, the store’s interior design harks

Thames Foyer patrons can truly make

back to popular architectural trends seen

the entire visit their own.

in the Edwardian shopping arcades of old,

“The idea is that people are able to buy

while the traditional fabric

some pastries, as well as

used for the wallpaper is

celebration cakes, tea

representative of the Far

items and merchandise

East’s influence on tea

to complement the whole

culture and trade

experience,” Angel

in the UK. “It’s a small tea shop with an Edwardian design, which is one of the eras The Savoy embraces,” continues Angel. “An Edwardian shopping arcade is the inspiration, and the idea is to have a number of signature teas, where our suppliers work very closely with tea farmers to ensure they’re Fairtrade and that the quality is good.”

Offering a wealth of variety to its customers,

“We try to source the teas not based on their country, but on their origins; it can come from anywhere in the world, but it’s mostly from the Far East, particularly China and India”

explains. “If they want to take Savoy afternoon tea home, they’re able to do so. Most guests come for a special celebration or occasion that they cherish and want to remember, so it’s not just about the food, but also the items we use, like the design of the teapot or teacup, which formulates the whole experience.”

Of course, the shop has built up strong relationships with its

Savoy Tea is perhaps best

suppliers, who source

known for its bespoke

ingredients from all over

breakfast and afternoon

the world. One company

blends, produced exclusively for the hotel.

has been specialising in the tea industry

In particular, the breakfast tea remains a

for more than 20 years, travelling to

on what particular types of tea they are,”

popular option among shoppers; strong

different estates and working closely with

says Angel. “We try to source the teas

but not overpowering in flavour, it’s tested

tea farmers to ensure each and every

not based on their country, but on their

over 50 times before sale to ensure The

tealeaf is of the highest possible quality.

origins; it can come from anywhere in the

“In terms of the teas’ origins, it depends

world, but it’s mostly from the Far East, particularly China and India.”

A range of chocolate and pastry master classes take place at the store throughout the year, allowing grownups and youngsters alike to learn for themselves what it takes to be an award-winning chocolatier or pastry chef. Under the guidance of Savoy Tea staff, hands-on demonstrations and historical insights provide a fascinating glimpse into creating the sweet treats for which The Savoy is famous. And with a view to expand into weddings and corporate hospitality, Angel intends to add another string to the shop’s

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bow, while compromising on none of its

experience at home. From full tea ranges

Foyer’s afternoon tea experience, we

original charm and character.

and fine bone china, to a mouth-watering

also have one for our American Bar and

selection of seasonal cakes and pastries,

Beaufort Bar. Another accommodates

evolve our product range, especially now

they can not only buy the teas to take

guests who’ve stayed with us and would

we’ve established a regular client base,”

away and infuse themselves, but also

like to take a little bit of what they’ve seen

she reveals. “We want to feature more

capture the very essence of their time at

in the room back home with them. The

exciting items, whether it’s homeware, or

the hotel, no matter where they are or

shop has different parts, where there’s

something guests can carry with them when

what they’re doing. To that effect, Angel

something for everybody’s experience

they travel. We’re also reaching out to clients

and her team have expanded the shop’s

of The Savoy.”

and audiences outside the hotel, particularly

product range to include bed linens, towels,

from a corporate perspective. We’re now

Champagne glasses, cocktail shakers and

working towards being suppliers for a lot

leather coasters, enabling everyone who

of corporate companies and prestigious

passes through its doors to treasure their

brands, and want to tap into the area of

memories long after they’ve left.

“We want to continue to expand and

marketing ourselves for bespoke wedding

“The original idea was to complement

Savoy Tea is open from 10am to 6.30pm Monday to Thursday, 10am to 7pm on

favours; be it food items or merchandise, we

the Thames Foyer, but over the years

Fridays, 10.30am to 8pm on Saturdays

have the resources to do that.”

we’ve evolved to have different sections,”

and 9am to 6.30pm on Sundays. To find

concludes Angel. “As much as we have

out more, visit www.fairmont.com/

a section that complements the Thames

savoy-london/dining/savoytea

Back in the store, the emphasis remains on guests recreating their entire Savoy

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PEPPERED YELLOW-FIN TUNA, NIÇOISE-STYLE SALAD

SAVOY_MAR16_Food2.indd 2

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SAVOY GRILL

IT’S THE VERY DEFINITION OF

‘GLAMOUR DINING’ She’s worked with Gordon Ramsay, been a semi-finalist on MasterChef: The Professionals, and is the first woman to run the Savoy Grill in more than a century. Head chef Kim Woodward tells us all about pairing the past with the present, Escoffier’s influence and ‘putting her personality on a plate’ Talk us through how you got involved

established by legendary chef Auguste Escoffier

at The Savoy

and the classic dishes on our menu; it’s an

Once I’d finished my studies in hotel and

integral part of the DNA of this restaurant and a

restaurant management, I decided to head

duty to do so. My cooking has certainly adapted

across the pond for an internship training at a

to this, but I’ve also been able to put my own

top restaurant in Missouri called Top of The Rock.

influences into the dishes.

Upon returning to the UK, I joined the Gordon Ramsay Group as junior sous chef of Boxwood,

How have you gone about doing that?

and worked here for the launch of the Savoy Grill

Our menu is inspired by its predecessors, dating

after its refurbishment. From there, I became head

as far back as the late 1800s. We endeavour to

chef at the York & Albany in Camden and reached

respect the classics, while looking ahead to new

the semi-finals of MasterChef: The Professionals,

seasonal ingredients and cooking techniques

before returning to run the kitchen here.

to keep it fresh.

Has much changed since you left?

What are some of the most popular meals?

The restaurant’s incredibly busy and just how I

The signatures here are dishes I just love to

remember it, so nothing’s changed there! It’s

cook. They’re classics that define what we stand

great to be back after working on the launch.

for, from the glazed omelette Arnold Bennett, to the beef Wellington trolley; the freshest Dover

How does your menu 'return to the classic

sole and wild sea bass en papillote, to the

Escoffier-inspired grill rooms of old'?

crêpe Suzette flambéed tableside, or a Yorkshire

I’ve pledged to continue the traditions

rhubarb and custard mille-feuille.

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SAVOY

MEET THE GRILLTEAM

Did your time in the US and at the York &

There’s a classic look and feel to the place –

Albany influence your approach to food

how has Russell Sage’s design of the Savoy

and drink?

Grill helped recapture its heyday?

My experiences have taught me how to work well

The restaurant is home to hundreds of years

in a team; to have everyone working towards a

of Hollywood and history, so the Russell Sage

common goal of delivering great food consistently.

design has perfectly honoured this elegant

It sounds an obvious thing to say, but you’re only

Art Deco dining room. The rich colours, finishes

as good as the team around you. My experience

and lighting combine effortlessly to create an

at York & Albany allowed me to really explore my

incredible buzz in the restaurant. It’s the very

creativity as a chef – to focus on flavour, quality of

definition of ‘glamour dining’.

produce and putting my personality on a plate.

In what ways does the Savoy Grill complement Would you say MasterChef: The Professionals

the hotel’s other bars and restaurants, while

helped you become the chef you are today?

retaining its own unique identity?

Well, it certainly taught me how to work under

The restaurant has a very special atmosphere; it’s

pressure! Nothing is quite like that in the real

hard to find another like it and I strongly believe this

world, but it sure has helped with the high number

is one of the best restaurants in the country to try

of covers we do in this kitchen. It has given me a

classic British dishes. Here, you’re able to sample

real confidence boost and, although I didn’t win it,

some of the world-famous Savoy’s rich heritage;

I still gave it my best shot and took away a lot from

to taste it, feel it and treasure it as a memory for a

the experience.

very long time. Within the hotel, we sit alongside world-beating bars and a hugely popular tea room

You’re the first woman to run the Savoy Grill

and restaurant, so guests and visitors alike have an

kitchen in 126 years – what does it mean to

excellent choice of where to eat and drink.

have inherited such a prestigious title?

It’s an absolute honour for me to be the head chef

Finally, where would you like to take the

in one of London’s most iconic restaurants. There’s

Savoy Grill going forward?

so much history around here; it’s a real legacy that I

From Winston Churchill cutting a Cuban to

want to carry on.

Marilyn Monroe cutting a steak, the restaurant has seen some of the world’s most famous

Are there more female chefs coming

faces pass through its doors. We want to hold

into the industry?

on to this history with a passion, and continue

More women chefs are being encouraged to

working hard to deliver on quality and excellent

come forward; it’s a breakthrough. Women

service. The future, you could say, is keeping

weren’t recognised before, as it was always

the past very much alive.

male-dominated, but more and more women are stepping up, so it’s really exciting.

The restaurant is part of the Gordon Ramsay Group – what’s your relationship like with him?

To make a booking at the Savoy Grill, email

Gordon has been a huge influence on me.

savoygrill@gordonramsay.com or call

He’s got such incredible enthusiasm and really

+44 (0)20 7592 1600.

motivates you to become the best you can be. It’s a real honour to be working as a head chef in one

Read on to find out how to make one of the

of his iconic restaurants.

restaurant’s classic recipes at home…



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By appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Champagne Supplier Pol Roger & Cie

Untitled-16 1

06/04/2016 11:02

RECIPE

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SAVOY RECIPE

A CLASSIC BEEF WELLINGTON RECIPE FROM THE ICONIC SAVOY GRILL Serves 5

INGREDIENTS 1.5kg beef fillet, cleaned 2tbsp English mustard 1.5kg puff pastry, either rolled or sheet 2 eggs for egg wash PANCAKE MIX 2 eggs 100g flour 100ml milk Salt Fresh herbs – basil, parsley, tarragon and chives, all chopped  Cook in a pan with a little oil CHICKEN MOUSSE 3 chicken breasts 400g double cream  Blend chicken with a little salt in a machine until a smooth purée  Add a little (100g) cream and blend  Take out of the machine and fold in the rest of the cream

MUSHROOM DUXELLE 1 onion, finely chopped 2kg button mushrooms A few sprigs of thyme, picked 100ml red wine sauce  Cook the onions in a pan, add the mushrooms, add the thyme and add the red wine sauce at the very end  Cool down before adding to chicken mousse, then add fresh, chopped tarragon and a splash of truffle oil  Use the mousse to bind the mushrooms DIRECTIONS  Pre-heat the oven to 220°C  Season the beef with salt and pepper and sear the fillet quickly in a hot pan  Leave to cool and brush the outside with English mustard all over

 Lay the pancakes and spread a thin layer of chicken mousse on top, place the fillet inside the pancake and roll  Wrap the whole thing in cling film and set in the fridge for a few hours  Lay out a sheet of puff pastry, brush with egg wash and place the pancake parcel inside that  Wrap the puff pastry around and tuck underneath  Egg wash on the outside and set in the fridge  Egg wash one more time and then cook for roughly 23 minutes until the pastry is golden and crisp  When probed, temperature of the cooked meat should be 28°C  Leave to rest for 20 minutes and serve – perfectly medium-rare

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Untitled-9 2

06/04/2016 09:21

CL1nard Grills.

Because too much of a good thing is even better.

Take the world's most luxurious ocean liner experience to the highest level with Cunard Grills: an enclave of indulgence, su 111 ptuous accommodation, personal service and the most privileged dining at sea.

Untitled-9 3

06/04/2016 09:21

TRAVEL

SPIRIT of ADVENTURE With its Age of Discovery cocktail, The Savoy has teamed up with Cunard and Jack Daniel’s to create a remarkable drinking experience for its guests.

In a globetrotting adventure, we find out how this distinctive drink made its way to the ends of the Earth and back to capture the perfect flavour

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T

he creation of a new cocktail is no small feat at the best

barrel-aged, limited-edition cocktail, for guests of its

of times. It requires equal parts ingenuity, imagination

award-winning Beaufort Bar.

and impeccable taste, with a dash of foresight,

Setting sail on Cunard’s RMS Queen Mary 2, Age of Discovery

innovation and resourcefulness thrown in for good measure.

departed from Southampton on January 10 2016, encased

The task becomes even more challenging when the drink in

in a handpicked, 300-litre Jack Daniel’s barrel to mature

question is sent on a four-month, 41,000-nautical mile voyage

until its momentous homecoming on May 10. This distinctive

around the world aboard a transatlantic ocean liner. But that’s

collaboration between the three acclaimed brands was the

what The Savoy set out to accomplish with its new world-class,

brainchild of the Beaufort Bar team, which, led by bartender Neil

world-travelled and globally one-of-a-kind beverage.

Donachie, has spearheaded the pioneering project.

To launch its latest addition to The Savoy Collection – one of

For Neil and his colleagues, it was a chance to capture the

the world’s most prestigious collections of unique spirits and

tastes and aromas of the continents the Queen Mary 2 would

liquids – the iconic hotel has teamed up with British-American

visit – 39 ports in 27 countries, to be exact – from Europe to Asia,

cruise line Cunard and world-famous whiskey brand Jack

Africa, the Americas and Oceania. Taking its inspiration from

Daniel’s to produce Age of Discovery, a specially-created,

the thrilling era of naval exploration between the 15th



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TRAVEL A FOUR-MONTH JOURNEY ACROSS 41,000 NAUTICAL MILES, 39 PORTS AND 27 COUNTRIES

and 18th centuries, the concoction embodies all the romance and

will influence the final result. Prevailing temperatures, humidity and

adventure of this exciting bygone era.

sunlight – as well as more inclement conditions – will combine to

“Cunard has long been known as one of the greats of oceanic

produce this truly incomparable barrel-aged invention.

travel and, along with The Savoy, can be

“The journey contains a full circumnavigation of

considered one of the truly iconic brands of British

the globe, crossing the International Date Line and

hospitality on the world stage,” says Neil.

the equator on several occasions,” explains Neil.

“Its permeation and role in popular culture in

“This will expose the barrel to an extreme variance

the 18th century, when the Age of Discovery was

of weather conditions, from a winter crossing of

coming to an end and global travel between newly-discovered lands was ubiquitous for civilian travel, cannot be underestimated.”

Painstaking attention to detail and refinement has gone into the choice of ingredients, which comprise a blend of Savoy Select Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, Jack Daniel’s Old No.7 and Bacardi 8, with Spice Trail Madeira, Dubonnet, Martini Riserva Rubino and Earl Grey and cocoa nib bitters. Such a fusion of flavours has been crafted to reflect both Cunard’s 175-year ocean-going heritage, and the decades of history and patronage associated with The Savoy’s famous cocktail bars.

“Cunard’s role in the transatlantic crossing – at the time the only means by which to travel to the

“The cocktail contains elements from each corner of the globe. It’s both a celebration and reminder of the importance this diversity holds in modern life”

Americas – was instrumental in the integration of European and American drinking traditions, which would see the rise of the American Bar in London, first adopted at The Savoy and still considered one of the world’s greatest and most historic cocktail bars to this day,” Neil continues.

Age of Discovery’s home for the journey – its Jack Daniel’s first-fill

the Atlantic and around the tip of South America, to the heat of Dubai in late spring, while always being ‘rocked’ to varying degrees by motion of the different seas for the full four-month period.”

Once back in the UK, the barrel will be ceremoniously unloaded in Southampton, returning to The Savoy on May 10, before travelling to the specially-commissioned Houston Bottling & Co-Pack plant for bottling in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland. Estimated to yield a minimum of 250 litres, the cocktail will be the latest addition to The Savoy Collection, which was launched in 2013 with the support of esteemed beverage experts, Speciality Drinks, to celebrate the rare and beautiful infusions from around the world. Age of Discovery will also be available at the Beaufort Bar as a limited-edition

'explorative' cocktail, of which there will only be 700 serves.

“The Savoy Collection has become one of the most collectible and illustrious independent bottlings in the world, and it’s important we honour this achievement by ensuring we add

American oak barrel – was carefully chosen by The Savoy’s assistant

something new to the offering,” Neil says. “The size and scale of

food and beverage director, Daniel Baernreuther, who travelled

the project, along with its inability to be replicated, means that

to the Jack Daniel’s distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee to select it

Age of Discovery will add a unique product to both the retail

personally, before transporting it back to The Savoy for mixing,

market and the Beaufort Bar’s cocktail programme.”

bonding and sealing.

Savoy guests can keep up to date with the progress of Age of

Secured in open-deck space for the duration of the voyage, the

Discovery too. Charted via social media throughout the passage,

barrel has been exposed to the varied elements and climates that

across the oceans and in the world’s most iconic ports and cities,

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IMAGES COURTESY OF CUNARD

the barrel also has its own logbook; once again harking back to a historic period of endless new horizons and exciting possibilities.

“The cocktail contains elements from each corner of the globe, which became symbolic with the Age of Discovery,” concludes Neil.

Age of Discovery will be available at The Savoy’s Beaufort Bar

“Asian spices, New World spirits (American whiskey and rum) and

as an exclusive ‘explorative’ serve from Tuesday May 10. Guests

fortified wines associated with naval travel form the skeleton, but

who order the limited-edition cocktail will be given a special

more importantly, it attempts to use ingredients that are readily

keepsake to take home as a memento of the experience.

available to us today, but whose origins lie in the other continents

The un-aged cocktail is available now.

and cultures of other parts of the world. It’s both a celebration and

To find out more, visit www.brown-forman.com or

reminder of the importance this diversity holds in modern life.”

www.cunard.co.uk

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AVIATION

Supersonic HIGHWAYS

Designed to transport passengers at speeds greater than the speed of sound, supersonic jets are set to be the next big thing in the business aviation market.

Alison Chambers and Jane Stanbury look at the possibilities of this thrilling new horizon, and the aircraft manufacturer that’s leading the way

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U

ltra-high-net-worth individuals are spoilt for choice

of 0.925 Mach. Passengers will fly London-New York direct in 4.4

when it comes to business jet charter; they have the

hours, enabling them to achieve a full transatlantic business day,

widest range of types and models to choose from yet,

and be back home by bedtime, without any sleep disruption.

but supersonic air travel still eludes them. There are a number of

The generous cabin of the AS2 reflects the need for aerodynamic

concepts out there and, unsurprisingly, Sir Richard Branson voiced a

efficiency mixed with comfort. A large galley, large aft lavatory

potential new venture, recently dubbed ‘Boom’. Yet the programme

and inflight accessible rear baggage compartment all feature.

most likely to get to market first is the USA’s Aerion Corporation’s

Two seating areas, large windows offering great views from every

AS2 Supersonic business jet.

seat, and plenty of passenger room inform the cabin layout.

Aerion’s credentials are solid: it’s backed by Texas billionaire

Once in production, Inairvation – a group of aviation partners

Robert Bass, and co-chaired by Brian Barents, former CEO of

led by Germany’s Lufthansa Technik and F/List – will install the

Learjet; it has researched advanced wing technology, in conjunction

AS2’s interior, which is to be styled by automotive/aviation design

with NASA and other leading aeronautical institutions, and made

specialist Design Q. They have impeccable heritage and are famed

breakthroughs in the area of natural laminar flow, the key enabling

for designing the interior of the world’s first aviation showroom,

technology; and Airbus added credibility when it joined the team

The Jet Business, in London’s Belgravia, where an Airbus ACJ cabin

as a collaborative partner 18 months ago. The schedule for

mock-up takes centre-stage.

the innovative Aerion AS2 tri-jet calls for first flight in 2021, with certification and deliveries following in 2023.

The unit price is a cool US$120million. Aerion doesn’t disclose customers, but US fractional operator Flexjet has signed for 20.

Announcing the order in October at the world’s biggest business

SPEED OF MACH 1.5 – BUT EFFICIENT AND ECONOMICAL

aviation show, Ken Ricci, Flexjet’s chairman, said he wanted to

Aerion has some significant milestones ahead. Top of the agenda

cover ‘every type of mission its members flew. The addition of the

is determining its engine provider. It’s also currently selecting a

AS2 will enable them to achieve that’. Flexjet customers won’t

manufacturing site, which needs to cover 100 acres (40 hectares),

need to buy into ownership, but can buy hours as required on the

be relatively close to a US airport and the coast, and offer a runway

sleek-looking Aerion AS2, the next frontier for the bizav fraternity.

of at least 9,000ft.

The AS2 is being designed for Mach 1.5 speed over oceans (1.5 times the speed of sound), or 1,000mph. This compares with Concorde at 1,300mph, but a very important differentiator, says

Alison and Jane are principals at UK-based aviation consultancy

Doug Nichols, Aerion’s CEO, is that the AS2 will be both more

Emerald Media, which specialises in business aviation with

fuel-efficient and economical.

an international client base. To find out more, visit

On completion, it will travel even faster than the quickest business jet, the Gulfstream G650, which has recorded a max cruise speed

www.emeraldmedia.co.uk. To learn more about Aerion Corporation, head to www.aerionsupersonic.com

/ 45 01

SAVOY_MAR16_PrivateJets.indd 3

05/04/2016 13:38

SAVOY ART

●

MELBA AT THE SAVOY

●

IMMORTALISING MELBA 







For the latest contemporary art commission for The Savoy, artist Dawn Coulter Cruttenden drew on the story of Australian opera singer Nellie Melba. Dawn and Sally Vaughan, co-founder and managing director of bespoke art consultancy Go Figurative, reveal how they brought The Legend of Melba vividly to life Tell us the background of The Legend of Melba and the

The Legend of Melba, and then created a shortlist of artists who we

inspiration behind it

felt would be able to deliver this work to a suitably high standard.

Sally: We’ve been working as art consultants to The Savoy since

Dawn’s work leapt out for its exquisite fairy-tale-like quality.

2012, developing a collection that embodies the stories and heritage of the hotel. Towards the end of last year, the hotel opened

What made you decide to produce the piece as a triptych?

its new patisserie, Melba, on the Strand entrance. Our brief was

Dawn: It was a combination of factors. Nellie was a performer,

to ‘find an artist to create a mural’ for the large wall behind the

and since the piece is essentially a narrative, it made sense to have

counter. With this in mind, we first identified the subject matter,

a number of ‘scenes’ or stages to her life, represented by each part

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●

THE CREATION OF MELBA

●

of the work. I chose to focus on her love of The Savoy, her friendship

and briefing the artist. We arranged for the artist to photograph

with its legendary chef, Auguste Escoffier, and her star quality as

one of the hotel’s chefs making a Peach Melba, which inspired the

she took centre stage. There were some compositional and practice

second illustration in the piece.

considerations too; The Savoy needed a landscape shape for the space, and I tend to work in portrait, so again it made sense to

Dawn: On my first early-morning visit to Melba to view the space,

juxtapose three individual pieces to make a whole artwork.

I found it very stylish – all very monochrome, marble and quite masculine in its feel. However, everything changed when, at about

Sally: As a team, we decided that The Legend of Melba was a

10am, a man in chef whites arrived with a trolley from the Savoy

story best told in three parts: the first featuring Nellie Melba’s love

kitchen. I watched as these incredible jewel-like cakes were unveiled

of The Savoy; the second, Escoffier’s inspirational creation of the

and laid out reverently in the glass display cabinet, and suddenly

Peach Melba; and the third, Nellie as the glistening performer and

these intense colours of rose petals and raspberries, pistachios and

star of the show.

gold leaf became the centrepoint of the room. I loved how these ‘pops’ of colour stood out against the monochrome. That’s when I

Talk us through the process of producing the work

decided to use one pop colour in the artwork against a monochrome

Sally: As consultants, our role is to identify the subject and the

background. And given that it was in celebration of Dame Nellie and

artist. All the work with The Savoy is based on stories and a high

the Melba dessert, there was only one colour it could be: peach!

level of skill and beauty. We spent time working with the hotel’s archivist and management team on researching the narratives

I’m drawn to working in pencil because there’s something soft and honest – almost fragile – in a drawing. You can see the human

 / 47

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06/04/2016 14:55

●

THE STAR OF MELBA

●

behind it through the line work. I’m sure there are many who see

Marble Halls, from the opera The Bohemian Girl, so that first

pencil work as mere scaffolding to a greater art form, but I love that

piece is very romantic. Nellie is in character here – she’s that

stripped-back nature. You work so physically close to the paper,

bohemian girl, she’s Ophelia and, above all, she’s Melba.

and the pressure from your own hand determines the drama and

For the drawing of Escoffier, The Creation of Melba, I was invited to

disappearances in the lines you create; it’s quite intimate, I suppose.

the Savoy kitchen to watch the chef prepare a Peach Melba – it was

I feel very attached to pieces like this, where I’ve spent many hours,

such an honour to have executive pastry chef Ludwig Hely prepare

days and weeks joined to the paper, catching tiny details.

this iconic dish just for me! Watching the process was like watching a

Nellie Melba was an opera singer. An actor. A diva. She loved

wizard at work, which made me think of turning Escoffier into more of

costume and glitter, and was known to wear all her diamonds

a ‘character’, rather than producing a straightforward portrait. Hence

and pearls together, so she could be seen twinkling from the back

the raised hands, as if he was sprinkling magic dust onto a handful of

of the theatre. I wanted to extend that drama and Edwardian

peaches to create something entirely new. The hands in the drawing

‘bling’ to the artwork, so I used gold leaf on very small details

are those of Ludwig; obviously M. Escoffier wasn’t available.

to twinkle when the light catches it. I see gold as a very ‘Savoy’ colour too, and I wanted a ‘Savoy’ feel to the work.

The background of the first piece, Melba at The Savoy, is of the

The final piece is a portrait of Nellie as herself, glittering and queen-like. I was inspired by some of the jewellery I saw in Boodles in the reception of the hotel. I designed the brooch and

great arch just inside the hotel, with those iconic marble floors.

tiara thinking that, if I was a very wealthy diva who had a peach

That beautiful entrance hall, mixed with the opera background

dessert named after me and had a fondness for diamonds, I’d

of Dame Nellie, reminded me of that song, I Dreamt I Dwelt in

probably treat myself to a peach-shaped tiara too!

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05/04/2016 13:12

SAVOY ART

EXECUTIVE PASTRY CHEF LUDWIG HELY PREPARED A MODERN TAKE ON THE ICONIC DISH THAT INSPIRED THE PAINTING

How does it complement the four existing

What do you hope guests and Melba customers

paintings on display in the hotel?

will take away from the work once they've

Dawn: I don’t think these pieces were meant to

seen it?

be connected stylistically; they’re connected in that

Dawn: Well, for a start, I hope they take away

they each tell a story about The Savoy, and I think

an enormous éclair! But also this vision of an

that’s about individuality. The Savoy has historically

amazing woman who powered through a time

been a mecca for icons of the arts – actors, divas,

when women were frowned upon for being more

writers, artists. It’s a place to celebrate style, beauty

than a beautiful accessory. She was a career

and uniqueness, whatever your personal preference is. There’s something around every corner of that building for everyone to fall in love with. It’s iconic.

Sally: Each of the original artworks commissioned for

SALLY VAUGHAN AND DAWN COULTER CRUTTENDEN

woman, a single mother and a trail blazer; she made it socially acceptable for a woman to go out for dinner of an evening without her husband; and she inspired others to follow and

The Savoy tells a story about the hotel. The Legend

left them a path to walk upon. I hope they’re

of Melba is another story from within the Savoy art

drawn into the pictures and find something to

collection storybook. Dawn’s the first female artist ever

love in one or all of them.

to be commissioned by the hotel, and it’s fitting that

Sally: A sense of beauty, elegance, drama and

the subject of her work should also be a pioneering

style – all the things The Savoy is famous for.

woman. Dawn is a natural fairy-tale illustrator, and this project has enabled her to show her authentic

To find out more about the work of Sally Vaughan,

creative ability. It’s been wonderful to see her immerse

Dawn Coulter Cruttenden and Go Figurative, visit

herself in Nellie’s life at The Savoy.

www.gofigurative.com

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06/04/2016 14:56

LONDON

Mayfair I Knightsbridge I Notting Hill I Chelsea I Clerkenwell Battersea I Wandsworth I Tunbridge Wells I Oxshott +44 (0) 333 011 3333

Untitled-16 1 Savoy_Advert_Template.indd 1

At Home Design Service available

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ADVERTORIAL

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This story of Italian entrepreneurship

and the natural elegance and refinement

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gave birth to the Fabiana Filippi brand,

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/ 51

SAVOY_MAR16_Advertorial_FabianaFilippi4.indd 3

28/04/2016 10:28

JUSSI PYLKKÄNEN

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05/04/2016 13:14

AUCTION

AUCTIONEERING is FABULOUS THEATRE As global president of the world-famous Christie’s, Jussi Pylkkänen knows a thing or two about the art of auctioneering. In an exclusive interview, he talks about changes in the industry, how the internet has made it more accessible, and why art is still such a sound long-term investment for collectors

F

or over two centuries, Christie’s has

through more than 80 categories, including

brought the magic of live auctioneering

all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery,

to a global audience, becoming the

photographs, collectibles, wine and more.

world’s leading auction house, with a worldwide

During his tenure, he’s broken a string of world

presence in 32 countries. This year, the institution

records, selling paintings up to and exceeding the

is celebrating its 250th anniversary; having

£100million mark; one particularly profitable sale

conducted some of the most celebrated auctions

was made in New York last May, where he closed

in history since its inception in 1766, the business

Claude Monet’s Le Parlement, soleil couchant –

has provided a popular multibillion-dollar

painted from the legendary artist’s Savoy suite

showcase for extraordinary art, unparalleled

balcony during one of his many visits to the hotel

expertise and international glamour.

– for a total of $40.4million.

Today, the man at the helm is global

Here, Jussi looks back on an illustrious career,

president Jussi Pylkkänen. Born in Helsinki

reflecting on the changing trends and tastes of

in 1963 and educated at Oxford, the

the art market, the impact of the recession, and

53-year-old auctioneer heads up the

how a sixth sense has enabled him to become a

company’s 350 annual sales, which range

master of his craft…



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IMAGES COURTESY OF CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD 2016

Tell us your background and how

bidding who have actually dropped out

you got started at Christie’s

earlier, but cannot resist chasing the object.

I first came as a journalist to write an article in 1984 about the sale of a Mantegna

Are there particular types of collectors

picture called The Adoration of the Magi,

you tend to attract?

which, when it was sold, tripled the world

It’s varied. We have collectors from all

record for any work of art. I was very

different parts of the world, buying for

interested in the art world and wanted to

different reasons. People come to it

go into it at some stage, but didn’t really

from different perspectives, and some

know how, why or when, but that was my

How does that work?

people start by buying in a very particular

first proper visit to a great institution to

It’s very difficult to describe how that happens

category because of what they can afford,

understand how the British art world works.

and why, but if you ask the great auctioneers

and then become very wealthy in their

who’ve taken sales for a long time, they all

lifetimes. That then triggers a different type

Talk us through your auctioneering

know that. We don’t have a name for it, but

of collecting because their tastes or wealth

process and how you operate

we know, and one of the reasons the more

have progressed.

during a sale

experienced auctioneers are more likely to

It’s quite a complicated business; you’ve

create a better atmosphere in a sale room is

What’s the most expensive piece

got to be quite numerate and have your

because they know which people to engage.

you’ve ever sold?

wits about you. It takes a while to get

The Picasso Les Femmes d’Alger, which

relaxed enough to understand that it isn’t

Can you always see the tell-tale signs?

we sold for $179million in New York and

just a question of calling numbers. Initially,

If you’re planning to bid, your heart is

is the most expensive painting ever sold

you’re just trying to get on the right foot

racing, your adrenalin is high, you look

at auction. We sold a Bacon triptych of

and not get things wrong, but once you’ve

different, you feel different and you

Freud, which was a great moment for me,

auctioneered for a while, when you look

want to engage with the auctioneer.

because it was a work by an Irish artist of

out into a room of 800 or 900 people,

If the auctioneer’s cognissant of that,

a great British subject, Lucian Freud, being

you develop this extra sense, where you

they become your partner in that whole

sold in America for a world-record price

can look up and know exactly which

process, which is very gladiatorial.

to an American. I’d never imagined that I

individuals in the room are going to bid

You’ll see the best, more experienced

would travel to America to sell a painting

on the object that’s about to come up.

auctioneers bring people back into the

by an Irish artist for a world-record price.

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07/04/2016 09:08

AUCTION world, coming in with different ambitions

For you personally, what makes a

This year marks Christie’s 250th

and different ideas of value. There’s this

great collector?

anniversary – that must be quite a

great pace and energy, and the great

People who buy across categories. A

milestone for you…

auctioneers can handle the audience and

great collector for me is somebody

It’s an incredible landmark. There aren’t

keep people in the game, so you’re able

who understands old master paintings

many businesses that continue at the

to compete until you really are out.

and great impressionist pictures,

same level over such a period. For us as

buys great 20th-century design and

a company, the principle of auctioneering

Has the recession had much of

might be particularly interested in old

hasn’t changed at all; the method is very

an impact?

master drawings as well. It’s also the

similar. It’s very meaningful for a lot of

The art market isn’t an indicator of the

multiculturalism, where people who are

people here – the name and the tradition

global economy. One would think it would

really great collectors are keen to look at

they’re involved with is incredibly important.

be, but the global economy is at every

great Islamic works of art, great works of

level and sometimes very regional. If you’re

art from Asia and China and Japanese

Which countries have become big

selling a work of art, many people get

lacquer. They’re fascinating people.

players since then?

involved in bidding for it from different parts

Hong Kong has been now for some time,

of the world, so there’s a balancing-out

Finally, how would you sum up your

and everybody looks at the Dubai sale

effect. The other side is that the art market

view of the art market?

results in March and judges where the

is very global and very broad, but also

The art world’s a place where people fall

art market fits. Now that we have online

driven by tastes and collecting.

in love with the objects they’re wanting to

bidding, which is such an important part

bid for, and the acquisition of the object is

of everybody’s lives, I’ll be selling a work

Would you say a downturn in the

often more important than how much they

of art in Dubai, but have competition

global economy can actually be

have to pay for it. That’s a very difficult

from Americans, Germans and Italians.

beneficial for collectors?

thing to appreciate; it’s like falling in love,

The works of art we sell in Dubai often

People who collect art aren’t necessarily

and if you buy a great work of art, you

come from 25 different countries, who

purely thinking about the financial

have one chance to acquire it and don’t

are sending them to the Middle East,

implications. Oftentimes, when the stock

have a second opportunity, so you have

because they know the market there is

market’s down or interest rates are very

to make a commitment. There are certain

the meeting point and trading floor for

low, people who have spare capital look

works that are definable as the artists’

Middle Eastern art.

at hard assets, whether it’s property,

greatest work, but part of that greatness

gold or artworks. Maybe there’s a merit

is about the number of people who are

The internet must have shaken

in having objects of intrinsic value; after

prepared to acquire it.

things up too…

all, a Monet will always be a Monet,

The online opportunity for sales is huge

and a Picasso will always be a Picasso,

among real collectors. Of course, you still

and if you’re buying works of great

have to have the live sales, because you

importance, they’re highly likely to

have to have the opportunity for people

hold their value.

www.christies.com

to come and view, see, learn and think about things. Technology allows people greater access and a better understanding of what the possibilities are of collecting in the art world.

Is there still a place for live auctions as well?

The way to generate the highest price is through competition, so I suppose it’s the difference between a live football game and playing FIFA on your console.

Auctioneering is fabulous theatre; it’s very engaging, fascinating and socially very interesting. It’s a whole social melting pot of people from different parts of the

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07/04/2016 09:09

Untitled-18 1

06/04/2016 13:46

FASHION

DAYS AT THE RACES Sporting events like Royal Ascot, Goodwood and Epsom Derby are among the most important dates on any fashionista’s calendar. To help you get to grips with what to wear, our fashion insider, stylist Catherine de Crèvecoeur from www.stylepourmoi.com, takes a look at 2016’s hottest trends

I

t’s that time of the year when we look

towards a more relaxed, yet fashion-conscious

forward to attending some of the best

style; dropped hemlines, slouchy layers, outfits

British outdoor sporting events. With the

revolving around one bold statement piece

racing season upon us, summer outdoor

(usually the hat) and lower heels.

fashion takes centre stage, and deciding what

As for planning your own outfits, knowing

to wear is on everyone’s mind. While there

first which direction you wish to take is key. If

remain certain dress code rules, event-goers

you feel more comfortable in a fuss-free outfit,

will be keeping a watchful eye on their favourite

then the ‘less is more’ approach can work

designers, who will be leading the way with

wonders, with a strong focus on the quality and

some of their latest collections.

cut of the garments. Opting for a more classic

When it comes to the do’s and don’ts of how to

style will also open the way to a whole range

dress for the races, some racecourses are very

of very wearable, beautiful and safe options.

strict as to what’s allowed, but generally, ladies

However, if you prefer to use these events as an

should aim for longer, demure skirt lengths that

opportunity to make a strong style statement,

would ideally reach below the knee, ensuring

then working your outfit around one key piece is

the dress has straps or is worn with a cover-up

always a good place to start.

over a strapless number.

Along with the traditional, classic outfits, we’ve lately been seeing a gradual trend

Here are some key looks we can expect to see during this racing season...



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SAVOY_MAR16_Fashion2.indd 3

05/04/2016 13:28

FASHION

SOFT PASTELS HELP CREATE

CHRIS ISON

IMAGES COURTESY OF GOODWOOD AND INVESTEC DERBY FESTIVAL

A WARM, SUMMERY OUTFIT

BRIGHTEN UP YOUR DAY AND EVERYONE ELSE’S BY WORKING POPS

MICHAEL COLE

OF BOLD PRINTS AND COLOURS

SAVOY_MAR16_Fashion2.indd 4

07/04/2016 09:12

TOM SHAXSON

GETTY STEPHEN POND

CHOOSE YOUR HAT CAREFULLY, ENSURING IT COMPLEMENTS YOUR OUTFIT AND THAT YOU FEEL

CHRIS ISON

CONFIDENT WEARING IT

A-LINE SKIRTS ARE EXTREMELY FLATTERING AND CHANNEL A SOPHISTICATED 50 S LOOK

/ 59

SAVOY_MAR16_Fashion2.indd 5

05/04/2016 13:29

FASHION

BOLD COLOUR BLOCKING

FLORAL PATTERNS

EXPERIMENTING WITH COLOUR

A SPRINGTIME GIVEN, FLORAL PRINTS ARE

BLOCKING CAN MAKE FOR A LOOK

REVISITED EACH YEAR BY DESIGNERS AND

THAT’S FRESH, CLEAN AND CURRENT

HAVE BECOME A FAVOURITE FOR THE RACES

LACE DETAILING A BIG TREND THIS SEASON, OPTING FOR LACE GARMENTS CAN WORK FOR A DEMURE, YET STYLISH LOOK

éROKSANDA, £1,095 AT SELFRIDGES

éERDEM, £1,095 AT SELFRIDGES

éSELF PORTRAIT, £285 AT SELFRIDGES

éMAX MARA, £420 AT SELFRIDGES

éSTELLA M C CARTNEY, £252

éDOLCE & GABBANA, £149

éAQUAZZURA, £420 AT SELFRIDGES

éJIMMY CHOO, £425 AT SELFRIDGES

éDKNY, £215

60 \

SAVOY_MAR16_Fashion2.indd 6

07/04/2016 09:12

TAILORED JACKET

PRETTY PASTELS

STATEMENT BRIGHT COAT

WEARING A TAILORED

SOFT PASTELS REMAIN A FAVOURITE

IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER, INJECT SOME

JACKET CAN MAKE A

FOR A GRACEFUL, WARM AND

COLOUR INTO THE PROCEEDINGS WITH

SHARP STYLE STATEMENT

SUMMERY LOOK

A STATEMENT BRIGHT COAT

éGEORGIA HARDINGE AT éPHASE EIGHT, £289 éERDEM, £1,180 AT SELFRIDGES éKURT GEIGER, £210 AT SELFRIDGES

WWW.GEORGIAHARDINGE.COM éMIU MIU, £201 éMARY KATRANTZOU, £1,150 AT SELFRIDGES

éPHASE EIGHT, £299 éEDIE PARKER JEAN, £1,095 AT SELFRIDGES éVALANTINO, £620 AT SELFRIDGE

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SAVOY_MAR16_Fashion2.indd 7

07/04/2016 09:13

ADVERTORIAL

WHAT'S HANGING ON YOUR WALLS? “Art is one of those few wonders in life that can speak to you without even uttering a word.”

- IAYSHA SALIH -

E

xperienced consultant and

THE ART OF SOURCING ARTWORK

much joy; It is an intuitive connection, and

international art dealer, Iaysha

Iaysha appreciates that the majority of

one that resonates above the frequency of

Salih, turns vision into reality

her clients lead busy lifestyles. Whether

conventional communication.

for her clients. Having begun her career

on a fleeting visit to the UK, or simply

as an art director and fine artist, Iaysha

sourcing a unique piece of art as a gift,

is passionate about art, but unable to

went on to own her own art gallery in

she will manage her clients' expectations

dedicate the time to source the artworks.

Royal Tunbridge Wells. After 12 successful

to great effect.

The clients can expect works that are of

years, she sold the gallery and decided

Among the many benefits of using

A typical client would be someone who

the highest quality and can be shipped to

to work privately for her clients, sourcing

Iaysha Art Consultancy is having access

whatever destination required. This can

and curating artwork for homeowners,

to her extensive network of contacts,

be for a private residence or a business,

businesses, private collectors, interior

which enables her to source works that

either as a one-off piece or a larger

designers and architects.

otherwise are not readily available. Iaysha

collection of works.

Iaysha’s success stems from her love

is fortunate to be closely associated with a

for the visual medium and having been

number of well-known artists, which gives

actively involved in the art industry for

her clients direct access to works not on

over 25 years. This has helped her

the market.

develop a rather unique client base,

Art is an investment for some, but Iaysha

To discuss your personal art requirements, contact Iaysha: iaysha@iaysha.com

with the sole aim of assisting clients in

Art Consultancy encourages clients to go

adorning their walls with the art that

for pieces that move and inspire them.

For more information about Iaysha, visit:

inspires them.

Looking at a piece of art can bring so

www.iaysha.com

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28/04/2016 10:32

FASHION

TIMELESS FASHIONS Eleanor Tomlinson, star of BBC One’s Poldark, talks about her role as consumer ambassador for the Investec Derby Festival, and shares her thoughts on this year’s hottest trends and styles What does it mean to you to be involved in this event?

I’m absolutely delighted to have been invited to be an ambassador for the Investec Derby Festival. Horseracing has been a

given that they were enjoyed by such a diverse group of people,

huge part of my life from an early age; my father is a commentator

that it’s the world’s greatest flat race and attracts 125,000

and I grew up in the saddle, so it’s a real honour to be part of one of

race-goers. It offers a rare opportunity to dress up in your finery,

racing’s most prestigious events. He’s naturally over the moon that

wear something flamboyant and see and be seen!

who would all come together to celebrate and socialise. This hasn’t changed, especially when it comes to the Investec Derby, given

I’m involved and we can’t wait to attend on Saturday June 4!

Can you tell us what you’ll be wearing?

Which outfits do you think will be hot this year?

I have a few options I’m still deciding upon, but I can guarantee

I think a world-class event like the Investec Derby will always bring out

it will feature some sort of headwear.

some of the most timeless fashions. There are classic styles you can’t go amiss with, such as a strong silhouette, modest hemline and, of

And your hopes for the future of the festival?

course, a fabulous hat. However, I’m sure some of the catwalk trends

I think it has a very bright future. Investec Ladies’ Day, which is

will be reflected in racecourse wear, in particular spring/summer’s

the Friday of the festival and features a Group 1 fillies’ race, has

romantic look of sheer, pastels, ruffles and florals. Whatever you

a hotly contested Style Award, which is increasingly competitive,

wear, I recommend you ensure your heels are comfortable!

while Investec Derby Day will always attract some of the most elegant styles. Not forgetting top hat and tails for gentlemen in

Why are these kinds of occasions such high-profile

the Queen’s stand!

fashion showcases?

When you look back over history, top-class racing events have

Eleanor Tomlinson is an ambassador for the Investec

always been the most important dates in the social calendar,

Derby Festival on June 3 and 4. To find out more,

attracting royalty and celebrities. They were particularly unique,

visit www.epsomderby.co.uk

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05/04/2016 13:31

CELEBRITY

I

f you tuned in to watch the BAFTAs on BBC One earlier this year, you would have spotted Cuba Gooding Jr gracing the red carpet at Covent

Garden’s Royal Opera House, before presenting the award for Best Original Screenplay. An Academy Award winner himself – for his portrayal of American football player Rod Tidwell in 1996’s Jerry Maguire – Gooding is no stranger to the glitz and glamour of the event.

Born in The Bronx, New York in 1968 to singers Cuba Gooding Sr and Shirley Gooding, the now 48-year-old actor rose to fame with his breakout role in 1991’s Boyz n the Hood. Since then, he’s appeared in such critically acclaimed ‘90s hits as A Few Good Men, Outbreak and As Good As It Gets; more recent big screen outings like Selma and The Butler; and a Broadway run in Horton Foote’s The Trip to Bountiful at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in New York.

But his latest project, The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story, may well be his most challenging and immersive yet. Playing the title role of the celebrated athlete accused of murdering his ex-wife, Gooding leads viewers head-on into the ‘trial of the century’, a controversial court case spanning more than two months from 1994 to 1995, and described as the most publicised criminal trial in American history.

Broadcast on BBC Two in the UK, the 10-episode miniseries boasts an all-star ensemble cast – including John Travolta, David Schwimmer and Sarah Paulson – and aims to tell ‘the whole story’ of the infamous trial, from the highly publicised Bronco chase, to the subsequent media frenzy that ensued. In an exclusive interview, Gooding tells us more about getting into character, the impact of the story on contemporary audiences, and why the trial itself speaks volumes about modern-day society…

T R I A L

OF THE CENTURY In The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story, Cuba Gooding Jr transforms into the eponymous NFL player and convicted felon, to tell the true story of one of the most gripping and divisive criminal trials in recent memory. Frederick Latty chats exclusively to the star about bringing ‘an emotional truth’ to the role

Let’s begin with your recent visit to London – how was it being back in the UK? I have such a wonderful time whenever I go to London. There’s something so magical about being there to me; there’s so much history in the buildings and the architecture. So much of the city is still untouched, and you get that prestigious, nostalgic feeling as you walk through the streets. There’s something so elegant about it – it’s really a magical city.

You were here to present the award for Best Original Screenplay at the BAFTAs – is the ceremony close to your heart?

Every time I get invited to attend, I take advantage. Walking down the red carpet, the people get so excited for the pageantry of it. There’s such a rainbow coalition, which, to me, represents a hub, not just for Europe, but the entire world. It seems like all of Europe coagulates in London – you see all the generational, racial representations there, and that awards show is almost like the culmination. It’s a really magical evening, and I always jump at the chance to be a presenter.

You’ve also been promoting your new television series, The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story – was it a big responsibility for you to portray such a highly publicised, real-life figure in the title role?

Oh, absolutely. I play him in 1994, when he was at the top of his game in terms of his popularity and celebrity. He was an international movie star; he was a Heisman Trophy winner; and it was these aspects that informed my role. I wanted to focus on that time period, so I looked at a lot of footage from him, not just in his movies, but in the courtroom. When you see these 10 episodes, you’ll go on that emotional



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JEWELLERY

CUBA GOODING JR AS O. J. SIMPSON IN THE PEOPLE V. O. J. SIMPSON: AMERICAN CRIME STORY

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05/04/2016 13:17

JEWELLERY

JOHN TRAVOLTA, DAVID SCHWIMMER AND CGJ IN THE PEOPLE V. O. J. SIMPSON: AMERICAN CRIME STORY

“I think it’s a real microscopic look into the judicial system of Los Angeles during this time period. There are a lot of questions still unanswered, and I think that’s what makes this show so relevant”

journey that he went on; you’ll see him at the

Does that apply to the recent ‘Oscars So

height of his popularity; and you’ll see the fragility,

White’ controversy?

not just of his mental state of mind, but his physical

All awards shows – all of them – are the end of the

state. As an artist, it’s a very fine emotional line to

chain. I think if you want to make a statement about

walk. What I looked to create and bring to this role

diversity, you have to start at the studio level, and

and this journey was an emotional truth.

recognise the fact that the racial colours of society are changing into more of a rainbow coalition. TV’s

Do you think the story of the O. J. Simpson trial

getting it right with shows like The People v.

is just as relevant today as it was then?

O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story, which are

I think it’s a real microscopic look into the judicial

more representative of what society is today.

system of Los Angeles during this time period.

There are a lot of questions still unanswered,

The series itself touches on issues of race in Los

and I think that’s what makes this show so

Angeles at that time – is that something that

relevant. We can’t just go idly into the night

influenced your performance?

and hope that people of authority will have our

You have to remember that I was a 22-year-old star

best interests in mind; we as artists have an

of a movie called Boyz n the Hood, in which I played

obligation to question, to search for the truth

a character called Tre Styles, who was harassed by the

and, through our artistry, expose certain ills in

police. I was harassed by police officers while filming

society, and hopefully by questioning them, we

that movie, and when I saw that Bronco chase cut into

can understand them.

my TV while I was watching a sporting event,



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07/04/2016 09:15

Savoy Magazine Quarterly - January, April, July, October.

For a full year's subscription (four editions): - £14 for UK residents - £19 for all overseas residents

If you subscribe before the end of May 2016, you will be entered into an exclusive competition to win a two-night stay at The Savoy, with breakfast included and a three-course dinner in Kaspar's Seafood Bar & Grill on one of the evenings, based on two people sharing a Deluxe Double room.

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Untitled-23 1

07/04/2016 14:26

1

CGJ AND TOM CRUISE

CGJ AND EDDIE REDMAYNE

2

3

and they announced that it was O. J. Simpson in the

Kardashians, the Osbournes and the ‘housewives of

back, I envisioned myself being in the back of that

the fill-in-the-blank’. I think it’s a way for us to feel

Bronco; a black man who was a celebrity living in

connected to celebrity without having to personally

Los Angeles, framed for killing his wife. What if that

invest in it, with the exception of the emotional

was me? He was a man who was being railroaded

connection we see in the images that flicker across

by the authorities, and I’ll never forget my frame

our screens. I think there’s a lot that can be said

of mind back then. So, all of those things informed

psychologically and what the ramifications are for us,

my performance in that movie, as well as in the 10

not just individually, but as a nation, and how that

episodes of this miniseries.

worldview reflects us.

Themes of media and celebrity are also

You’re one of many actors to make the

prominent – what do you think the show says

transition from film to television in recent years

about us as a society in that respect?

– in what ways has TV changed the way we as

I think the trial itself was the birth of reality television,

viewers interact with stories?

and the fallaciousness of celebrity that we get now. A

Back in the 1970s, they used to say cinema was

lot of American families today are dissected, praised

the golden age of film. You had your Francis Ford

and observed as being our pseudo-royalty, like the

Coppolas, your Martin Scorseses, your Sydney

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CELEBRITY

Pollacks and your Sidney Lumets – real filmmakers

but you also get the full picture of what the

who were telling the truth of society’s ills and dealing

filmmaker is trying to say. It’s very intoxicating

with real issues. And yet, they only had a platform of

for us as entertainers and artists to be able

two to three hours, whereas today, you have that same

to paint that picture; it’s why you have icons

platform shifted to 10, 12 or 13 hours. You have

like John Travolta stepping into this medium,

what’s called ‘binge-watching’ now, where, if you’re in

and it’s why you have storytellers with diverse

the right frame of mind, you can sit and watch a story

backgrounds, sexuality and race. And it isn’t

unfold over the entire 10 hours in a weekend.

just America anymore – there are real statements coming from directors now from

From an actor’s perspective, how did the

the UK and all across the globe. We as

creative process of TV differ from that of film?

artists are never going to stop telling

With the exception of The Trip to Bountiful on Broadway,

real-life stories about society, and now

this is the longest time I’ve ever been in the mind-set of a

we’ve found an outlet.

character. I played the same character, living his life for six months, so this was the longest time it took me to step away from a character. It really was all-encompassing, and one of those opportunities I’ll never forget.

The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story is available to watch for a limited time on BBC iPlayer,

Would you say television is now a leading

and will be released on DVD and Blu-ray later this

platform for great storytelling?

year. All production stills courtesy of Fox. Cuba

It enriches your experience, not just with

Gooding Jr was dressed for the BAFTAs by Hackett

the characters you see and their backstory,

London www.hackett.com

4

CREDITS: 1.BAFTA/RICKY DARKO 2.BAFTA/RICH HARDCASTLE 3.BAFTA/JONATHAN BIRCH 4.BAFTA/STEPHEN BUTLER 5.BAFTA/RICHARD KENDAL

5

CGJ AND SPOTLIGHT DIRECTOR TOM M C CARTHY

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05/04/2016 13:17

JEWELLERY

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SAVOY_MAR16_Advertorial_EssentialConcierge3.indd 2

06/04/2016 12:46

ADVERTORIAL

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07/04/2016 11:48

LUXURY YACHTS

CHARTERED

TERRITORIES

Owning or chartering a yacht can be an unforgettable experience and life-changing investment.

If youʼre thinking about climbing aboard, weʼve rounded up a selection of the finest vessels to spend your money on. Read on to find out how your beautiful boat could open up a world of possibilities

F

just a means of travel or a luxurious pastime. If you’ve

you work with is a reputable one, with a meticulous eye for

got the time, the means and the knowhow, it can be

detail and impeccable customer service. Tax benefits and

an essential lifestyle choice, worthwhile investment and

offsetting the costs of ownership through charter income are

essential addition to your collection of hard assets.

among the many perks, while professional maintenance

or many, buying or chartering a yacht is far more than

Whether you’re looking to set sail on your very own vessel, or host a fabulous event on the Thames, there are numerous upsides to putting your money into one of these breath-taking

If you’re chartering, you’ll need to make sure the company

preserves the boat’s value and means it’s always ready to go whenever you are.

From on-board spa facilities to quality craftsmanship, we take

models. It’s the perfect purchase for that romantic trip, family

a look at 10 yacht companies’ most captivating cruisers, and

holiday or well-earned break, and a head-turning means of

discover how they can add a whole new level of opulence,

seeing the world in style.

convenience and class to your next getaway…



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ALEXIS ANDREWS

GRACE E



Burgess Yachts



A stunning yacht with an environmental focus and outstanding wellness centre, Grace E takes a new approach to superyachting.

Its wellness deck offers a complete range of spa facilities, equipped with a massage room with steam sauna, a full gymnasium, a treatment room with hydrotherapy bath, a cold dip bath and dry sauna, plus a retreat room for meditation, or simply chilling out, with 180° views out to sea. Incorporating a dynamic positioning system that allows the yacht to stay in place without dropping anchor, this yacht can cruise in ecologically vulnerable locations without damaging the environment. www.burgessyachts.com

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05/04/2016 17:53

LUXURY YACHTS 

Woods’ Silver Fleet



Moored at Savoy Pier, directly opposite the river entrance, Woods’ Silver Fleet offers luxury, British Thames river yachts for unparalleled London event venues and vistas. Silver Sturgeon, the 61m flagship, celebrates her 20th birthday in 2017, and is the largest, most luxurious passenger vessel to operate through the bridges of the River Thames. She runs as a private events venue with a capacity of 100 to 550 guests, while Michelin-starred menus by London chef Ollie Dabbous and head chef Douglas Gaunt make it the perfect reception setting after a wedding at the world-famous hotel. www.silverfleet.co.uk

SILVER STURGEON



Sunseeker Yachts



Featured in BBC documentary Britain’s Biggest Superyachts: Chasing Perfection, Sunseeker will launch the new Manhattan 52 this summer, its smallest flybridge model for over a decade, setting a new benchmark for the format. The 52ft model’s hull is designed to maximise entertainment options with light and generous living spaces, incorporating unparalleled amounts of curved glass to emphasise its sleek lines. Sunseeker will also launch two stunning next-generation superyachts in 2016 – the 116 Yacht and 95 Yacht – epitomising the elegant lines, open-plan layouts and stylish interiors that the brand has introduced with its new range of larger models. www.sunseeker.com

MANHATTAN 52



Cecil Wright & Partners



Sales broker Henry Smith of Cecil Wright & Partners has announced the signing as joint CA for the sale of Turquoise, a beautiful 55.4m motor yacht from Proteksan Turquoise. Built in 2011, with a complete refit in 2014, this stylish, yet manageable yacht sleeps 12 in six cabins, with a crew of 13, plus clean exterior lines created by Dubois Naval Architects and a contemporary interior by H2 Yacht design.

Equipped with a fleet of water toys, gym equipment and great entertaining and relaxing spaces, it’s a perfect yacht to host your family or friends. www.cecilwright.com TURQUOISE

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06/04/2016 15:01

STRENGTH IN DEPTH. THE ALL NEW PREDATOR 57.

NEW BOAT SALES - USED BOAT SALES - BROKERAGE CHARTER-GUARDINAGE -AFTER-SALES SERVICE 34-36 Davies St, London WIK 4NF

Untitled-14 1

I +44 (0)20

7355 0980

I www.sunseekerlondon.com

London 06/04/2016 10:24

LUXURY YACHTS 

Oyster Yachts



Denoting a sleek evolution of Oyster’s signature performance blue-water cruising yachts, the 745 is designed to fit between the ‘family and friends’ Oyster 475–625, and the 825–885, with their separate crew quarters. Replacing the 72/725, of which an impressive 16 were built, the Oyster 745 introduces a new hull format and brings a sense of the sailing coupé with her distinctive deck saloon.

With a choice of rigs, the sail plan can be optimised for fully-crewed speed or short-handed sailing, from carbon and fully-battened main, to cutter and joystick furling for friends and family. www.oysteryachts.com

OYSTER 745



Discovery Yachts



If you dream of sailing across oceans, Discovery Yachts combine traditional craft skills with innovative technology to create the finest blue-water cruising yachts in the world. The fabulous model range includes: the Discovery 55 Mk II, the benchmark that every sailor aspires to; the Discovery 58, luxurious, spacious and easily handled by two people; the more capacious, highly acclaimed Discovery 67; and soon to be launched, the new Discovery 48. The aim of Discovery is to build yachts that combine strength and stability, reliability and performance, which can easily be handled by two people in complete safety. www.discoveryyachts.com DISCOVERY 58



The Yacht Company (Y.CO)



Built in 2009 with a carbon composite hull, Cinderella IV is a high-specification cruiser and true reflection of Dutch shipyard Vitters’ build quality. Performance is at the core of the yacht’s design, which ensures excellent performance on the water. With a lifting keel and a brand new set of sails, her already exciting sailing performance has been further enhanced and optimised. A modern interpretation of a traditional two-house deck layout, she’s built to perform under sail and to cruise in comfort. Cinderella IV has been constantly maintained and updated, and is offered in immaculate condition.

CINDERELLA IV

www.y.co.uk

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

Princess Yachts



Experience the contemporary elegance of the eagerly anticipated Princess 30M superyacht, which made its global debut at boot Düsseldorf 2016, as the largest yacht at the largest European show. Sweeping window lines and shaped bulwarks enhance the level of light and space across the main deck, with the full-beam master stateroom benefiting from uninterrupted vistas of the most breath-taking surroundings. The Princess Design Studio has created a sophisticated and contemporary interior concept across the main deck master, with a unique reverse cabin layout – a rarity on a 30m yacht and the first for the M Class range. www.princessyachts.com PRINCESS 30M



Winch Design



Founded in 1986 by Andrew and Jane Winch as a Winch Design is now an international design studio with a team of 70 people, specialising in not only yachts, but also aviation, architecture and interiors.

KLAUS JORDAN

specialist exterior and interior yacht design company,

Still perceived as the market leader within the yachting world, Winch Design has completed 75 unique yachts, from 26ft (8m) tenders, to majestic 532ft (162m) motor yachts, all elegantly combining form and function. The team is working on several projects for completion at various times over the next two years, including the largest volume superyacht on the water. www.winchdesign.com



Edmiston

ACE



Leading yacht company Edmiston will have a strong selection of yachts for charter cruising the Balearics this summer. Based in Monaco, Edmiston has been creating bespoke itineraries for clients for over 20 years, and has an in-depth knowledge of the Mediterranean coastline. Mischief accommodates 12 guests in six well-appointed cabins, including a luxurious full-beam master suite, three double guest cabins and two twin guest cabins, while Philmi offers a cool, contemporary interior, accommodating up to 10 guests in three double and two convertible twin cabins. Motor yacht Christina G, meanwhile, offers a spacious, stylish retreat from everyday life. www.edmiston.com

CHRISTINA G

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05/04/2016 17:54

MOTORS

ALL L ABOARD ABOAR THE BLUE TRAIN

Inspired by Woolf Barnato Bentley’s passion for motor racing, the Bentley ‘Blue Train’ Speed Six was introduced in 1928 and became the brand's most successful race car. To find out more about this iconic luxury sports vehicle, we hear the daring story behind its creation

W

oolf Barnato – heir

record at Le Mans – three wins in three

to a vast fortune

starts – confirms W. O.’s judgement.

from the Kimberley diamond mines in

Barnato was at a dinner party on a

Knowing how canny Barnato was, none of his companions would take the bet – so he resolved to do the run anyway, to

yacht near Cannes in March 1930, when

prove his point. The next day at 5.45pm,

South Africa – was the ultimate ‘Bentley

the subject of racing the famous Blue

as the Blue Train left the railway station

boy’. A brilliant sportsman, bon viveur

Train came up, as both Rover and Alvis

at Cannes, Barnato and his companion,

and generous host, he became chairman

had recently beaten it from St Raphael to

amateur golfer Dale Bourne, left the

of Bentley Motors in 1926 when the

Calais. Barnato wasn’t impressed, calling

Carlton Bar and set off in the Speed Six.

company was struggling for capital.

it ‘no great shakes’. He wagered £200

W. O. Bentley considered him the best of

that, at the wheel of his Speed Six, he

Lyon, the two men encountered heavy

all the team’s drivers, and Barnato’s 100%

could beat the train to Calais with ease.

rain, which slowed their progress.

During the 185 miles from Cannes to

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05/04/2016 16:29

At around 4am, between Lyon and

Manufacturer’s Association fined Bentley

Paris, near Auxerre, the team lost

Motors around £160 for racing on public

time searching for their pre-arranged

roads and barred Bentley from the Paris

refuelling rendezvous. Despite this

Salon. Barnato claimed he had raced

setback, some dense fog near Paris and

as a private individual and not as the

a puncture that used their only spare

chairman of Bentley…a claim that failed

tyre, Barnato and Bourne finally reached

to convince the authorities.

Calais at 10.30 in the morning. They had

Few cars embody the glamour, speed

covered over 570 miles at an average

and power of the pre-war Bentley era

speed of 43.43mph, an impressive

better than the ‘Blue Train’ Bentley Speed

achievement on the dusty and rough

Six. Barnato’s achievement was so

roads of the time.

exceptional that a 2015 re-run by Car

Barnato had arrived in Calais so far ahead of the train that he decided to continue on to London. After crossing

HISTORY REPEATING

HERE'S HOW BENTLEY MADE

magazine in a Continental GT3-R only

NOT ONE, BUT TWO GRAND

just managed to beat his average speed.

ENTRANCES AT THE SAVOY

For years, the Bentley that beat the

the Channel in a packet steamer, being

Blue Train was thought to be a Speed

During the 1920s, Bentley was

waved through customs and driving

Six coupé built by coachbuilders Gurney

outstandingly successful in both

hard for almost 700 miles, Woolf

Nutting. The low roofline and 2+1

racing and setting new speed

Barnato parked his Speed Six outside the

cockpit with a single ‘side-saddle’ rear

records, grabbing many front-page

Conservative Club in St James’ Street at

seat gives it a lean, low and purposeful

headlines. Bentley first won Le Mans

3.20pm. Just four minutes later, the Blue

profile; this unique design was cited

in 1924, and won each year from

Train arrived at the station in Calais.

by Bentley’s design team as one of

1927 to 1930. 1927’s race was

the inspirations for the modern-day

characterised by the famous ‘White

Continental GT.

House’ crash, which involved all

Barnato had won his unofficial dare, although the French Motor

“Few cars embody the glamour, speed and power of the pre-war Bentley era better than the ‘Blue Train’ Bentley Speed Six”

three of the widely-tipped Bentley teams' entries. This crash caused the retirement of two of the cars.

Against all odds, and with only one headlamp and a flashlight strapped to the windscreen frame to guide the drivers through the dark of night, ‘Old Number Seven’, the three-litre driven by Bentley chairman Sir Dudley Benjafield, was victorious.

A celebratory dinner was held at The Savoy with Old Number Seven the guest of honour – the racer had to be partially dismantled to get it through the doorway and upstairs.

In 2003, 73 years after Bentley’s last win at Le Mans in 1930, two Bentleys entered the epic 24-hour endurance race. At 4pm on Sunday June 15, two Bentley Speed 8s came first and second at Le Mans. The following Wednesday, the winning Speed 8 was guest of honour at a celebration dinner held at The Savoy, a recreation of the iconic dinner of 1927.

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JEWELLERY

Graff sapphire and diamond 'Carissa' necklace POA www.graffdiamonds.com

Graff 12.7ct, emerald-cut diamond ring POA www.graffdiamonds.com

Graff 8.47ct oval diamond ring POA www.graffdiamonds.com

Boodles 1ct, pink cushion-cut diamond cluster ring, surrounded by eight oval white diamonds set in platinum, and a halo of pink diamonds set in rose gold POA www.boodles.com

Graff pink diamond 'Swirl' ring POA www.graffdiamonds.com

Kiki McDonough lavender amethyst and diamond drop earrings in 18ct white gold £5,200 www.kiki.co.uk

Boodles ‘Grosvenor’ wheatsheaf marquise diamond drop earrings in platinum POA www.boodles.com

Harry Winston The Jeweller’s Secret POA www.harrywinston.com

Boodles ‘Wisteria’ Ashoka diamond drop earrings in platinum from £12,000 www.boodles.com

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Moussaieff platinum set line of 82ct pearshape diamonds with 18ct diamond drop POA www.moussaieff.co.uk

Moussaieff earrings with matching 10ct pearshape diamonds, suspended from 3ct tops POA www.moussaieff.co.uk

Boodles ‘Mosaic’ morganite earrings in white gold with diamonds £27,500 www.boodles.com

DIAMONDS ✦

✦

✦

✦

✦

✦

✦

are forever

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend – truer words were surely never spoken for the leading designers of some of the world’s most dazzling luxury items. From eye-catching earrings to timeless timepieces, we profile an assortment of exclusive accessories to add to your own personal collection

Boodles 'The Knot' rose and white gold ring with diamonds £2,100 www.boodles.com

Graff diamond Luna earrings POA www.graffdiamonds.com

Boodles ‘Pas de Deux’ kite diamond ring set in platinum £18,000 www.boodles.com

Harry Winston Ultimate Emerald Signature POA www.harrywinston.com

Boodles ‘Grosvenor’ wheatsheaf marquise diamond drop earrings in platinum £50,000 www.boodles.com

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Harry Winston Emerald Signature POA www.harrywinston.com

Harry Winston Lattice POA www.harrywinston.com

Boodles ‘The Knot’ rose and white gold earrings with diamonds £1,700 www.boodles.com

Boodles ‘The Knot’ rose and white gold bangle with diamonds £6,000 www.boodles.com

Harry Winston Glacier POA www.harrywinston.com

Graff diamond 'Swirl' ring POA www.graffdiamonds.com

Kiki McDonough peridot, rubellite and diamond drop earrings in 18ct yellow gold £7,700 www.kiki.co.uk

Harry Winston Art Deco Timepiece POA www.harrywinston.com

Graff ruby and diamond Rosette earrings POA www.graffdiamonds.com

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JEWELLERY Harry Winston Twist Automatic POA www.harrywinston.com

Boodles ‘MayMay’ rose ring with diamonds in rose gold £4,250 www.boodles.com

Harry Winston My Precious Time POA www.harrywinston.com

Graff yellow diamond 'Swirl' ring POA www.graffdiamonds.com

Boodles ‘Wisteria’ yellow Ashoka diamond bracelet set in platinum POA www.boodles.com

Boodles cushion-cut Burmese ruby ring, surrounded by 10 oval-cut diamonds, set in platinum with a further border of pink diamonds in rose gold POA www.boodles.com

Graff yellow and white diamond earrings POA www.graffdiamonds.com

Kiki McDonough morganite, peridot and diamond drop earrings in 18ct yellow gold £4,900 www.kiki.co.uk

Harry Winston Diamond Links POA www.harrywinston.com

Kiki McDonough Mandarin garnet, lemon beryl and diamond drop earrings in 18ct yellow gold £6,500 www.kiki.co.uk

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BASELWORLD

THE

LUXURY of TIME As the most important marketplace and trendsetting platform for the world’s luxury watch and jewellery industry, Baselworld distinguishes itself as the only show to regroup all the key players. We profile some of the biggest brands and most breath-taking timepieces on display at this year’s event

E

ach spring, the city of Basel in Switzerland plays host

and discover trends,” says managing director Sylvie Ritter. “No

to Baselworld, the most prestigious event on the

other event in the world brings together so many famous and

international watch and jewellery industry’s calendar.

prestigious brands; no other watch or jewellery presentation

The 2016 event opened its doors on March 17 to more than

attracts 150,000 visitors from over 100 countries, or can claim

4,000 journalists, representing traditional and new media from

the media impact of Baselworld.”

around the globe, with 1,500 luxury brands exhibiting.

Such was the case with this year’s watch displays, which boasted

Over ‘eight days of brilliance’, the momentous occasion

cutting-edge timepieces from the likes of Patek Philippe, Tudor,

– inaugurated by Swiss Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga

Harry Winston and Breitling. Together, these industry leaders

– celebrated the innovation and creativity that has gone into

captivated audiences and unveiled their most recent ranges, many

some of the most remarkable collections over the last 12

of which featured contemporary twists on classic designs.

months, and introduced some trendsetting ranges that have set the tone for the coming year.

For a taste of which models were on display, we’ve rounded up a selection of the market’s finest chronometers. Read on

“For eight days a year, Baselworld is the nerve centre for an entire industry, which unites here to take the pulse of the business

to find out more about which ones you won’t want to miss throughout 2016…

TUDOR HERITAGE ADVISOR

HARRY WINSTON PREMIER MOON PHASE

BREITLING AVENGER HURRICANE

PATEK PHILIPPE WORLD TIME CHRONOGRAPH

ZENITH ELITE 6150

With its automatic alarm function, the Heritage Advisor is a reinterpretation of the brand’s famous Tudor alarm watch from 1957, and this year features a new combination of cognac-coloured dial and strap. www.tudorwatch.com

The Premier Moon Phase 36mm captures the serene beauty of the celestial sky, with a mesmerising moon that appears to travel across the horizon, before finding its way behind a white mother-of-pearl design, signifying the end of the lunar cycle. www.harrywinston.com

Water-resistant to 100m/330ft and featuring a rotating bezel with rider tabs serving to memorise times, this new Breitling asserts itself as a compendium of boldness, innovation and performance, designed to share every challenge – on land, at sea and in the air. www.breitling.com

The new World Time Chronograph range of the Genevan manufacturer ranks among the most eclectic of our era. From manually-wound classics and the world’s thinnest split-second chronograph, it extends to the monopusher chronograph, with a minute repeater and instantaneous perpetual calendar. www.patek.com

Having gained immediate success right from its launch in 2015, the Elite 6150 model now comes clothed in rose gold, illuminating its curved 42mm-diameter case, its pure dial with engraved hour-markers, and its slender leaf-type hands. www.zenith-watches.com

Baselworld 2017 will be held from March 23 to 30 2017 in Basel, Switzerland. To find out more, visit www.baselworld.com

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SAVOY EVENTS

Organisation is key, but so is creativity For renowned wedding planner Bruce Russell, there’s a big difference between planning and designing a Savoy event. Using the example of his recent ‘At Home’ showcase, he sheds some light on how those show-stopping occasions come together

T

he role of a top wedding or party planner has many

light and deliver a really memorable event: a one-off showcase that would live long

facets, with organisation

in the memory of its guests. And so

and planning being just

I focused on the guest experience,

one aspect of the job. My goal is to shed light on the difference between wedding and party planners and designers. Admittedly, the distinction is

making them feel at home.

The idea was to make guests think of The Savoy as their home – for personal celebrations, social occasions and client

not always clear and perceptions can be quite

events – and to make them feel relaxed in

wrong, but whether I’m planning a wedding,

their surroundings. In doing so, I wanted to

civil ceremony, birthday, private dinner or

demonstrate the flexibility of the space available at

cocktail party, my role is far more than just

The Savoy, the prowess of the culinary team, and

being organised, pulling together timelines,

how every single detail of an occasion such as this

managing set-ups and co-ordinating teams on

can be personalised and tailored.

the ground on the day itself.

Of course, I would be completely unable to

Of course, organisation is key, but so is

deliver such events without enlisting the help of

creativity. The creative process is very much

professional and trusted suppliers, who enable

design-led, and inextricably linked to the

me to bring my initial concept and creative

organisational aspect of production. Put simply,

vision to life. These craftsmen and women

I need to be able to take an idea and actually

are wonderfully talented and I work closely

bring it to life. I’d like to think I’ve made a

alongside each, overseeing every detail, but

name for myself in terms of being efficient

always in a collaborative fashion.

and professional, while having a little spark of

My suppliers are really my partners; while I’m the

‘joie de vivre’, delivering events with genuine

driving force behind the overall approach, I rely on

passion, flair and style.

their specific expertise and knowledge. The key is to

The vision behind ‘At Home’ at The Savoy was

ensure the creative vision is possible with the options

to plan and host a truly unique house party.

available, working to a budget and with a realistic

Of course, everyone knows this iconic London

timeframe in mind. It’s an immensely rewarding

property, but my aim was to cast it in a different

process and one I very much enjoy.



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SAVOY

MEETEVENTS THE TEAM

With each and every event, both the client and guest experience must be genuinely outstanding. I’m not content with just an initial ‘wow!’ – there needs to

luxurious dining room tablescape design, bedecked with stunning tablewares from Amara.

As with any industry event, you want the evening

be a string of moments throughout an occasion that

to really ‘buzz’; people chatting to one another,

prompt ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’, from the time the first guest

but also ‘Instagramming’ like nobody’s business,

arrives, to the last leaves.

documenting their enjoyment for everyone back

Going back to the planning versus designing

home to see! So, we created a focal point for these

debate. Planning is simple to me: it’s about structure,

visual moments – a ‘photo loo’ take on a photo

organisation and prior preparation. It’s also about

booth, which was a fun set-up with bathtub, loo,

understanding what you can and can’t control –

specially-created newspaper, bathrobes and even a

there will inevitably be the odd situation beyond your

model plumber to pose alongside our guests. It was

control, but it’s about limiting these and navigating

a hoot and a real hit!

around them. This is all in the pre-event planning

The key to any creative concept is that it has to

and anticipation – if something crops up on the day

both look and feel authentic. The Savoy staff at the

itself, the plan gets rolled out and I deal with situations

‘At Home’ event were dressed in casual, everyday

accordingly, be it an unexpected guest need, or a

clothes, ditching the formal uniform for the evening. It

last-minute change of heart from the client.

was crucial that staff also perceived the space as their

The creative or design process is a constant,

own, welcoming guests into their home as friends –

evolving as the planning of an event comes

not an easy task when years of training ensure they

together. Often, additional touches are added

provide a certain level of service in their jobs, but this

along the way to enhance the overall experience.

was a very important point.

For ‘At Home’, for instance, The Savoy’s head

Not every planner can design, and not every

chef approached me with an idea of a chocolate

designer can plan. I consider myself very fortunate

fountain. I wasn’t sure about this in a home setting,

to be both, where one facet challenges the other

but the idea struck me that a decadent, grand

constantly, pushing the boundaries of what I can

fountain flowing with Valrhona chocolate on the

deliver for my clients, and being able to consistently

garden footpath would be quite fabulous! It turned

raise the bar to ensure a unique and personal

out to be the crowning glory of the garden.

experience at each event.

Likewise, when designing the inside of the house, I knew we couldn’t realistically divide the space into rooms or cover the walls, so instead I opted for a

At Home was created and hosted by Bruce Russell

monochrome look of all-white furniture, which, with

at The Savoy. The event was partnered with Lux

the right lighting, was incredibly warm and inviting.

Technical, Armorial, Amara, Emily Jane Bowers,

The insert of colour was in the detail – the stocking of

Great Hire, Wild About, Wow Grass, Snapshot

the bar with beautiful multi-coloured bottles of spirits,

Staffing, Savoy Flowers and John Nassari.

the delicious array of cakes in the kitchen, the candy jars among the strong florals and candles, and the

www.bybrucerussell.com

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“The key to any creative concept is that it has to both look and feel authentic”

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PROPERTY

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING

COMPLETELY

DIFFERENT If you’re looking to find that dream home in the heart of London, or make a savvy multimillion-pound investment, there’s a wealth of opportunities available. But why settle for a traditional move when you can purchase a place that really stands out? Here are some top ways to make a statement

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J

ust picture it: waking up in your very

or even a duplex penthouse built within Victorian

own luxury London apartment, with

gasholder frames. The sky’s the limit for the

captivating views of the city’s skyline

designers and architects of these one-of-a-kind

visible through your bedroom window,

feats of engineering.

and the latest amenities available right on your

Whatever takes your fancy, there’s no shortage

doorstep. For homebuyers with money to spend

of alternative pads to call home in the heart of

and a taste for something a little more interesting,

the big smoke. From converted lofts to former

the capital has plenty of quirky properties that are

tram sheds, we’ve compiled six developers’ latest

just waiting to be snapped up.

living spaces that are every bit as unique as they

You may be interested in settling down in

are glamorous, their individuality matched only

a former clock house dating back to the

by their high-end price tags, stunning interior

mid-19th century, or resting your head at a

design and highly desirable locations. Read on

more contemporary example of split-level living.

to find out what’s available now and coming

Alternatively, an old library might appeal,

soon to the market…



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PROPERTY

JASON HAWKES

Battersea Power Station Located alongside the western edge of Battersea Power Station, Circus West is within a few minutes’ walking distance of Chelsea. It will be home to residents, workers and visitors, who will be able to live, work and spend time in and around one of two fantastic new buildings.

Circus West is the beginning of the unfolding chapter of London’s newest town centre.

When complete, it will host 25,000 people living and working onsite; lead to the creation of 17,000 new jobs; and bring about the first major extension of the London Underground system since the Millennium.

The commercial space, which occupies the entire ground floor, is the bedrock of building a vibrant new neighbourhood that delivers a community-focused village environment, and helps to create an attractive visitor destination when Circus West opens to the public in early 2017.

The first new shops, restaurants and cafés have been confirmed in a line-up of tenants, ranging from fine dining, to a butcher, baker, florist and the Village Hall.

Each tenant of the commercial space has been specially selected, taking into account the quality and individuality of the experience they offer.

Two-bedroom homes from £1.1million +44 (0)207 501 0678 www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk/circuswest sales@bpsdc.co.uk

St George THE TOWER PENTHOUSE AT CHELSEA CREEK : THE EPITOME OF SOPHISTICATED LIVING Enjoying a superior dockside location, Chelsea Creek is the exquisite new residential development by St George.

This new address is within easy reach of the superb restaurants, designer boutiques and cultural offerings of the King’s Road.

At the heart of the development is an impressive 25-storey tower, designed by world-renowned architecture practice Squire & Partners.

The Tower Penthouse occupies the top two floors of this new residential tower, offering the epitome of

sophistication and style with spectacular panoramic views across the London skyline.

The spacious five-bedroom duplex residence has been finished by interior designer Taylor Howes to the most elegant design. On entering the property, residents are greeted by a magnificent white marble staircase leading upwards towards the private sky garden, with four stylish areas designed by a Royal Chelsea Flower Show winner to offer the ultimate in relaxation and entertainment space.

A stunning penthouse apartment at Chelsea Creek, The Tower is the pinnacle of refined London living in an unrivalled location.

£16.95million +44 (0)20 7610 9693 www.chelseacreek.co.uk sales@chelseacreek.co.uk

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PROPERTY

Gasholders London As the residential jewel in the crown on the Prime Central London (zone 1) King’s Cross estate, Gasholders London is the largest urban redevelopment scheme in Europe. King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership has launched the development of 145 studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments and duplex penthouses – the only apartments in the world to be built within a trio of Grade II-listed Victorian gasholder frames, dating from the 1860s. Architect Wilkinson Eyre has created the world’s most unusual apartment scheme, where the apartments are designed

The Space Station Known as Tramways House, this exceptional former tram shed has been rigorously refurbished to the very highest of standards, offering luxurious, split-level living over a vast 4,736 sq ft (approx.) freehold. Retaining plenty of original features, including iron staircase and fabulous vaulted ceiling, the unique space makes for sumptuous, yet extremely versatile living.

Entertaining will be a breeze and sure to impress, starting off with the stunning open-plan living space/dining room with fully-fitted kitchen to one side, complete with mandatory wine fridge/cooler, espresso maker and breakfast bar, finished with seamless corian. Off the living space,

as wedge-shaped pie slices within circular buildings.

To be completed in autumn 2017, Gasholders London will be built on concrete cylinders of eight, nine and 12 storeys, clad in glass and aluminium and encased within the iron pillars and struts of the 123 gasholder frames. Central atriums, reminiscent of the interior route of the Guggenheim Museum in New York City, will bring light into the heart of the structures, while curved facades, adjacent to The Regent’s Canal, will afford far-reaching views across the water and to the spires of the capital beyond.

Studio apartments from £785,000 One-bedroom apartments from £880,000 Two-bedroom apartments and larger from £1.3million +44 (0)333 077 0200 / +44 (0)20 7861 5499 www.gasholderslondon.co.uk enquiries@livingatkingscross.co.uk

there’s also a separate open study area and convenient access to the large private terrace, excellent for the British summers.

Finished to a breath-taking standard throughout, the house further comprises a master bedroom with expected en-suite and freestanding bathtub, four guest double bedrooms, four bathrooms, a utility room and cloakroom. There’s also a private off-street garage with access straight into the property, making for a private and quiet residence.

Brought to you by unique property specialists Space Station, Tramways House is located on Camden Road and easily accessible for the City, Shoreditch and the West End.

£4.35million +44 (0)20 7613 6262 www.thespacestation.co.uk space@thespacestation.co.uk

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London Lofts London Lofts was established to bring London’s alternative living spaces to their rightful audience, but in the personal manner that’s now lost in the corporate style of modern estate agencies.

One of only nine double-height lofts is this wonderful conversion of a former library building in Battersea. Entered via the well-preserved communal hallway, the loft immediately opens out into a double-height living room, with a modern kitchen to the rear and huge period windows to the front.

French doors lead onto a great wrought-iron balcony, with views over the communal gardens. The mezzanine level

provides a useful study area, overlooking the living room and then the master bedroom and bathroom, with its roll-top bath.

Converted from ‘shell’ spaces in the 1990s, The Old Library is one of the classier, more understated loft buildings of its kind, with beautifully maintained communal gardens and excellent security with off-street parking.

The building is located moments from Battersea Square, with its old-world cobbles, cafés and excellent restaurants. The River Thames walkway is nearby, taking you to Battersea Bridge and then Chelsea on the other side, plus the excellent Thomas’s School is a short walk away.

£1.35million +44 (0)207 917 6800 www.londonlofts.net suniel@londonlofts.net

Unique Property Company The Old Clock House is a wonderful example of mid-19th-century architecture, restored with affection, taste and attention to detail, where the original clock tower has been retained in the roof. This beautiful house is laid out across four floors, comprising four bedrooms, three reception rooms, a large kitchen, roof terrace, high ceilings and a spacious basement.

Sitting on one corner of Brewery Square in Clerkenwell, which used to be the site of Cannon Brewery, the house is surrounded by attractive, contemporary offices and residential buildings. The contrast in style highlights the

beauty of the former Brewery Yard office building, while the grand proportions of the building cater perfectly for loft-style living.

Cannon Brewery originated with a brew house attached to The Unicorn Inn, which stood towards the northern end of the site. The office building was erected directly behind the old main entrance in 1874-5; built of soft, red brick with stone dressings, an ogee-capped turret and bracket clock, it comprised a counting house and offices above a basement beer cellar. Carved barley and hops decorate the capitals of the doorway, a theme continued in coloured mosaic on the floor inside.

£5.5million +44 (0)870 900 4050 www.uniquepropertycompany.co.uk info@uniquepropertycompany.co.uk

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COVENT GARDEN

THE COVENT GARDENERS As a neighbourhood that combines rich culture and history with fantastic shopping, Covent Garden is home to all sorts of unusual stories and characters. Jeannine Saba, founder of The Covent Gardener magazine, speaks about some of her personal highlights from a resident’s perspective

J

“Despite being one of London’s most

The Savoy lies the bustling district

visited tourist destinations, Covent Garden

Lane, the popular London highlight is

C

between St Martin’s Lane and Drury

RY M TER

of Covent Garden. Located on

the eastern fringes of the West End,

GOUGH

ust a hop, skip and a jump from

within walking distance of Soho, the River Thames and Trafalgar Square.

As one of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, which also occupies its own idyllic suburb with easy

has managed to retain the fairy-tale feel of a small village in the midst of the city,” says Jeannine Saba, creative director of The Covent Gardener magazine, the area’s luxury quarterly. “Everyone here – from family-run business owners, to beautifully suited doormen – has exciting stories to share.”

Indeed, whether it’s the cultural hub of the Opera

access to The Strand, Covent Garden is home to

Quarter, health food hotspot Neal’s Yard, or

some of London’s finest shopping, theatre, bars,

London’s newest shopping and dining destination,

restaurants and culture, offering the best of both

St Martin’s Courtyard, there’s no shortage of

worlds to tourists and Londoners alike.

places to go, things to do and sights to see.

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COVENT GARDEN

“Covent Garden definitely is one of the loveliest areas in London, with a never-ending amount of gorgeous shops to visit, events to experience, foods to taste and Covent Gardeners to meet” In the 19th-century Covent Garden Piazza, the

“Literally a stone’s throw away, The Porterhouse Bar

Jubilee, Apple and East Colonnade markets offer a

brews its own beer, gin and whiskey, and offers delightful

wealth of jewellery, clothes and arts and crafts. You’ll

tasting experiences and live music on the premises,

also find the London Transport Museum here, which

where British painter J.M.W. Turner was born in 1775.”

explores the powerful link between transport and the

As part of the city’s West End circuit, Covent Garden’s

growth of modern London, plus a revolving door of

theatrical centre is naturally a big part of its appeal.

street performers who are as entertaining as they are

Housing some of London’s most beloved playhouses,

talented. It’s a square that has long been associated

it’s home to such dazzling shows as Matilda the Musical

with creative flair, including some of the biggest names

at the Cambridge Theatre, The Lion King at the Lyceum

in the history of the visual arts.

Theatre and The Woman in Black at the Fortune Theatre.

“When visiting the Royal Opera House, you inevitably

Of course, it would be impossible to talk about

pass through Covent Garden Piazza, which is where

Covent Garden without mentioning the Royal Opera

Alfred Hitchcock filmed Frenzie, his second to last

House. With its grand classical portico fronting Bow

feature film, in 1972,” Jeannine continues. “If you book

Street, the world-famous venue showcases the very

a walking tour with London Walks, the guide will show

best ballet and opera productions, including traditional

you exactly where and how the movie was made.”

recitals and commissions of brand new works from

Elsewhere, the fashionable Floral Street runs east from Garrick Street to Bow Street, while the

many of today’s most acclaimed performers.

“Another highlight is one of London’s best-kept

buzzy, atmospheric Seven Dials is one of the city’s

secrets, not only for opera fans: a backstage tour

most original and intriguing shopping and lifestyle

of the Royal Opera House,” Jeannine says. “It’s

networks. Wherever you find yourself, you’re bound

perfect to peek behind the curtain before attending

to stumble across an array of exciting possibilities to

a performance, or to experience a unique taste of

discover and enjoy.

theatre if you don’t have enough time to do so.”

“Maiden Lane alone has a lot to offer, like London’s

For food and drink, you couldn’t ask for a

oldest and legendary Rules Restaurant, which has just

better place to sample some of London’s most

been featured onscreen in the latest 007,” explains

mouth-watering meals. British dishes are readily

Jeannine. “Doorman Paddy is happy to share a story

available at chic urban eatery Scoff & Banter, situated

or two about the venue’s history.

at the heart of Seven Dials, as well as Tuttons on

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COVENT GARDEN Russell Street, one of the most famous and long-standing

you can get a 100% chocolate hot chocolate, or one

restaurants in Covent Garden. Additionally,

of the best vegetable tempura at Murakami on St

Michelin-starred L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon draws on

Martin’s Lane if you’re craving a savoury treat.”

the celebrated chef’s internationally renowned culinary expertise, serving simple, exceptional quality cuisine.

And if you’re more fashionista than foodie, you won’t

With so much to see and do, Covent Garden has been transformed into a vibrant, world-class destination in recent years, welcoming over 40million

be disappointed by the latest looks and trends on display.

visits annually. As a strong tenant line-up of retailers

Household names and international labels like Dior,

and restaurants continues to gravitate to the estate’s

Chanel and Michael Kors sit alongside a plethora of

energy and global appeal, it should come as no

independent boutiques, heritage brands, beauty salons

surprise that this cosy corner remains one of London’s

and men’s grooming specialists, where you can put

most captivating attractions, as Jeannine concludes.

your feet up, splash your cash and indulge in some

“Covent Garden definitely is one of the loveliest

well-deserved ‘me time’.

“Covent Garden is also home to some fantastic brands; we recently saw the arrival of Club Monaco

areas in London, with a never-ending amount of gorgeous shops to visit, events to experience, foods to taste and Covent Gardeners to meet.”

for Women in Monmouth Street, and for Men in Henrietta Street,” says Jeannine. “If you visit the quirky American brand Kate Spade on Floral Street, you’ll be greeted by the loveliest shop assistants. There’s

The Covent Gardener is a luxury, quarterly magazine

also Benjamin Pollocks toy shop inside the piazza,

celebrating Covent Garden. Its aim is to shine a

where you can purchase handmade and hand-drawn

light on the area’s culture and history, to promote its

miniature theatre sets.

businesses, and to champion its people – The Covent

“And to keep the spirit up with all this shopping, take a break at Hotel Chocolat on Monmouth Street, where

Gardeners themselves. For more information, visit www.thecoventgardener.com

A VIBRANT, WORLD-CLASS AREA TO ENJOY DINING AND SHOPPING IN LONDON

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COVENT GARDEN

THE BEATING HEART OF THE CITY We hear how Covent Garden went up, up and away for its inflatable public art installation in 2015

O

ne example of an ongoing programme

ahead of the London Design Festival, weaving

to transform Covent Garden into an

its way through the South Hall of the building.

ever-changing, open-air art gallery came

Heartbeat stretched 54 metres in length and 12

from French artist Charles Pétillon, who filled the

metres in width, incorporating gentle, pulsating white

grand interior of the Grade II-listed Market Building

light to symbolise the beating of a heart and reflect

with 100,000 giant white balloons.

the history, energy and dynamism of the district.

The complex, yet fragile Heartbeat composition –

“The balloon invasions I create are metaphors,”

which ran from August 27 to September 27 2015

Pétillon said. “Their goal is to change the way in

– was Pétillon’s first public installation and first live

which we see the things we live alongside each

work outside of France; inspired by Covent Garden’s

day without really noticing them. With Heartbeat,

heritage as London’s first public square and the West

I wanted to represent the Market Building as the

End’s reputation as the beating heart of the city.

beating heart of this area – connecting its past with

Uniting the world of art with world-class architecture, the cultural commission was unveiled

the present day to allow visitors to re-examine its role at the heart of London’s life.”

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TOTHECUJB

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06/04/2016 11:15

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

THE

HOUSE

THAT

OPERA

BUILT With a rich heritage dating back to the 18th century, the Royal Opera House has become one of the world’s leading venues for opera, ballet and lyric theatre. We hear exclusively from the man at the top, Alex Beard CBE, about how the ROH has stayed at the forefront of innovation and creativity

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N

o stay at The Savoy would be complete without a visit to the Royal Opera House. Situated on Bow Street in London’s iconic Covent Garden district,

the world-famous, Grade I-listed theatre is home to both The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet. With the help of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and the Royal Opera Chorus, they bring some of the most dazzling productions vividly to life onstage for more than 2,000 avid spectators, day in and day out.

“Both opera and ballet require roughly 300 people in the moment to do the impossible night after night,” says Alex Beard CBE, chief executive of the ROH. “That process is phenomenally difficult and requires a huge amount of dedication, professionalism and focus. It’s a really demanding culture to make that happen day after day, but that’s what makes the whole experience so worthwhile.”

For Alex, in whom a love of opera was instilled at an early age, taking on the role of chief executive in 2013 was a no-brainer. Having worked at the Arts Council and as deputy director of Tate, the Royal Opera House was a natural progression in his career, in which he’s also sat on Glyndebourne’s board of directors, and the philanthropy board of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

Today, it’s his job to oversee a team of 1,000 staff members, ensuring the place operates like a well-oiled machine.

“My first connection with the Royal Opera House was when I was 11,” he explains. “My mum was a flute teacher and had a single ticket to see a performance there in 1975. The babysitting option fell through, so she had no option but to take me along with her. I didn’t have a particularly refined critical response to it, but I did think, ‘What an extraordinary experience’.”

This same sense of wonder still permeates through

ROH/ROB MOORE

the acclaimed venue to this day. Whether it’s The Royal Opera’s outstanding performances of new and traditional works, or The Royal Ballet’s grand tradition, illustrious heritage and dynamic versatility, every performance – of which there are more than 500 per season –

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ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

unites innovation, daring and exceptional standards of artistry, creativity and stagecraft.

“We exist to enrich people’s lives through opera and ballet of the very highest quality, and to widen the net of what the art forms can do and the people who are able to enjoy it,” continues Alex. “We’re very careful to create a sense that this is one theatre with two great companies of equal standing. That sense of the Royal Opera House being about lyric theatre of the very highest order, and these two world-class companies drawing on a world-class orchestra, is absolutely fundamental.”

Accessibility is likewise key for Alex, who insists the ROH’s sustainability hinges on an openness to anyone with an interest in the arts. From initiatives like World Ballet Day, a day-long live stream from five of the world’s leading ballet companies, to Opus Arte, the venue’s multi-platform arts production and distribution company, both the ballet and opera’s potential and exposure is maximised for everyone to enjoy.

“We’re opening up to a wider audience across the country, in terms of the cultural horizons of the art forms and getting more of the best artists of today to develop their first steps into lyric theatre, opera and ballet,” Alex says. “We’ve got to be absolutely open at base, presenting

LA TRAVIATA

GIANNI SCHICCHI

ROH/BILL COOPER ROH/CATHERINE ASHMORE

a welcoming and warm face to our audience.”

One way in which Alex and his team have accomplished this is through a hugely successful live cinema season. Streaming productions to more than 1,500 cinemas in over 35 countries, the Royal Opera House has established itself as an international powerhouse in its own right, while making its programme available to the masses all year round.

“Attendance in cinemas is growing year by year, and you’re now never more than 30 miles away from the Royal Opera House, wherever you happen to live in the UK,” says Alex. “You may only be able to come to Covent Garden two or three times a year, but you can see a live performance of the very best opera and ballet, with some of the very finest artists in the world, 12 times a year in your hometown. That’s an extraordinary opportunity, and what it also does is open up the potential to use that nationwide reach to encourage new audiences to come.”

In an ever-changing world of smartphones, tablets and online streaming, it’s never been easier to access the ROH’s most breath-taking moments from far and wide.

But while such innovation might run the risk of diluting the value of the real thing, it’s quite the opposite

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ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

as far as Alex is concerned, who firmly believes in the incomparable magic that comes from seeing shows in the flesh, up close and personal.

“If anything, I hope it will encourage people to try out opera and ballet for the first time, pieces they otherwise wouldn’t have seen, or to come more often and see what opera and ballet are all about,” he insists. “But that in no way replicates the thrill and excitement of entering one of the world’s finest theatres; that’s just the most extraordinary thing. So long as we’re true to our mission of working with the best artists to create life-changing experiences on this wonderful stage, it’s a virtuous relationship.”

for an institution as big as this one. But as a charitable company, the Royal Opera House has managed to weather the storm and remain buoyant throughout, thanks in no small part to the unwavering loyalty of its

ROH/JOHAN PERSSON

Of course, a culture of recession, budget cuts and arts funding shortages has presented its own obstacles, even

SARAH LAMB AND STEVEN M C RAE AS PERDITA AND FLORIZEL IN THE WINTER\S TALE

fans and followers across the globe.

“The economic challenge of presenting lyric theatre at the very highest level is huge,” Alex continues. “At a time of decline in public funding, the pressure is intense, but we have a very passionate, loyal and committed audience, many of whom are extremely generous with advocacy, attendance and financial support. We’ve been able to galvanise their enthusiasm, and we’re hugely encouraged that, although public funding is declining, the Government understands the importance of theatre and investing in really high-quality work.”

Investment in fresh, new talent is another key factor.

Through a series of young artists’ programmes, practitioners are given the necessary tools to make their first, second and third steps professionally across a broad spectrum of disciplines. By paving the way for the next generation, the ROH continues to attract future

“We exist to enrich people’s lives through opera and ballet of the very highest quality, and to widen the net of what the art forms can do and the people who are able to enjoy it”

talent through its doors and into the industry.

“Some of the very best artists in the world want to perform on this stage rather than any other, particularly when they’re developing their artistic experience and making a role debut, as we have one of the best support teams to expertly coach and prepare them,” explains Alex. "We’re the beneficiaries of centuries of artistic experiment and development,

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VENERA GINADIEVA AS VIOLETTA VALÉRY IN LA TRAVIATA

so it’s really important that we do our bit for the future.

We’re spreading the word and encouraging the next generation of audiences and artists to engage with the art form.”

And it’s not just opera and ballet for which the Royal Opera House is famous. As the official host of both the annual BAFTA and Olivier Awards, it has seen its fair share of red carpet splendour over the years, welcoming the great and the good from Hollywood and the West End to some of the glitziest events on the showbiz calendar.

“It’s really important that, as possibly the most beautiful theatre in the country, we’re part of the celebration of theatre and performance in the broader

ARTIST OF THE ROYAL BALLET AS THE WILIS IN GISELLE

ROH/BILL COOPER ROH/TRISTRAM KENTON

sense, so being able to host the BAFTAs and the Oliviers with stars from all over the world to celebrate creative achievement is really important,” Alex insists.

“As one of the glories of Theatreland, ensuring we do our bit to celebrate the glorious talents there are is just terrific and a wonderful thrill.”

Indeed, while the ROH’s position on the cultural world map remains firmly intact, it’s also a quintessentially British organisation; nevertheless, it makes no apologies for being as multicultural, diverse and vibrant as the city it’s based in. With work now underway on the extensive Open Up renovation programme, it has become more accessible and engaging than ever before, always striving to develop its audiences and break new ground in the presentation of lyric theatre.

“London is this remarkable world city where the world’s talents come together to exchange,” concludes Alex. “It’s a British city, but it’s also one of, if not the greatest world cities. We’re fortunate enough to present some of the world’s very finest artists, so I don’t see any tension between being rooted in Britain, but operating on a world stage.

“In fact, that’s the history of Britain – a small island nation that made its way in the world through exchange and being a home for new ideas, with an ambitious and expansive view of how those ideas can play out. I hope those are the values that we as an institution embody.”

To find out more about the Royal Opera House, or to book tickets for any of its upcoming events, visit www.roh.org.uk

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CHILSTONE

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WHAT'S ON

CALLING During your stay at The Savoy, why not make the most of some grand days out by experiencing London’s best events and exhibitions? From world-famous museums and art galleries, to the glitz and glamour of the West End, here are 10 top picks to enjoy while out and about in the capital

F

or locals and visitors alike, London is always alive with

There’s certainly no shortage of art events either. The Courtauld

plenty of exciting cultural highlights to look forward to.

Gallery at Somerset House will be profiling the spiritualist

Whether you’re mad for museums and musicals, or

Victorian era with a showcase of Georgiana Houghton’s haunting

an aficionado of art galleries, there’s a whole host of

pieces, while the Pump House Gallery takes a more contemporary

breath-taking plays, shows, festivals and exhibitions going on over the coming months.

You won’t want to miss the dazzling musical of Aladdin,

approach by exploring London’s modern urban landscape.

And if you’re after an insightful look at history and science, some of the city’s leading museums are running a series of truly

which makes its UK debut at the Prince Edward Theatre in May.

fascinating explorations. Whatever your interests, don’t miss out

Elsewhere, the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company will be

on London’s latest and greatest experiences at a selection of its

bringing the romance and tragedy of Shakespeare to life onstage

finest arts venues and spaces. Read on to find out more about

with its brand new production of Romeo and Juliet.

what’s coming up…

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WHAT'S ON UNDER LONDON UNTIL SUNDAY JULY 3, MUSEUM OF LONDON London’s archaeology is revealed in a series of extraordinary object-focused photographs, taken by world-renowned photographer, Simon Norfolk. Under London shows how the city’s long, colourful story can be told by the rich variety of material beneath its streets.

Ranging chronologically, 10 objects found at archaeological digs across the capital since the late 20th century have been photographed on the streets of modern-day London, telling the story of this remarkable place.

An accompanying ticketed talk from Simon Norfolk explains how he captured the unique and stunning aspects of such archaeological treasures. www.museumoflondon.org.uk

MUSEUM OF LONDON

LEONARDO DA VINCI: THE MECHANICS OF GENIUS UNTIL SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4, SCIENCE MUSEUM Open now, the UK premiere of The Mechanics of Genius highlights the immense talent that sparked Leonardo da Vinci’s reputation as an exceptional and enduring inspiration in the fields of engineering and art. The exhibition displays 39 historical models across five sections, each of which focuses on a different area of knowledge and expertise within his practice. Games and multimedia installations help bring the items vividly to life, such as flying machines, diving apparatus and weapons, exquisitely reinterpreting the machineries that Leonardo drew in three-dimensional form. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

SIMON NORFOLK/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

VISIONS OF WAR ABOVE AND BELOW UNTIL SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM Head to the Imperial War Museum for a new exhibition that explores a range of artistic perspectives on conflict, from World War One to the present day. Visions of War Above and Below features some of IWM’s most intriguing artworks, including surreal portrayals of aircraft as creatures, abstract views of bombing raids and detailed drawings of life in submarines. Bold, thought-provoking and personal, the show highlights the work of numerous artists, whose different viewpoints show the dynamics of power and vulnerability between those above and below. www.iwm.org.uk

SCIENCE MUSEUM

EPPDCSI-PH LEVY

THE GROUNDS WE TREAD TUESDAY APRIL 19 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 11, PUMP HOUSE GALLERY Exploring ideas of public space and intimacy, The Grounds We Tread is a brand new programme led by international and

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WHAT'S ON emerging contemporary artists, as a response to Battersea Park and the rapidly changing urban landscape of Wandsworth and Nine Elms. New commissions and existing works explore the fascination with tracking our health through technology; the power of live singing in social clubs, karaoke bars and elsewhere; amateur forms of advertising and announcement in public places; and the negotiation and use of public and private areas. www.pumphousegallery.org.uk

PUMP HOUSE GALLERY

ROMEO AND JULIET THURSDAY MAY 12 TO SATURDAY AUGUST 13, GARRICK THEATRE

KATJA LARSSON

Reuniting the stars of his celebrated film Cinderella, Kenneth Branagh teams up with Rob Ashford to direct Shakespeare's heart-breaking tale of forbidden love at the Garrick Theatre.

Starring Lily James as Juliet, Richard Madden as Romeo, Derek Jacobi as Mercutio and Meera Syal as the Nurse, this marks the fifth production in the inaugural Plays at the Garrick season.

The play will be broadcast to cinemas live on July 7, giving theatregoers nationwide the chance to experience one of the Bard’s most celebrated tragedies, wherever they are. www.branaghtheatre.com

SUNKEN CITIES: EGYPT’S LOST WORLDS THURSDAY MAY 19 TO SUNDAY NOVEMBER 27, BRITISH MUSEUM In its first large-scale exhibition of underwater archaeology, the British Museum’s Sunken Cities looks at two lost Egyptian cities and their recent rediscovery by archaeologists beneath the Mediterranean seabed. Supported by BP, the six-month run brings together 300 outstanding objects, including more than 200 spectacular finds excavated off the coast of Egypt near Alexandria between 1996 and 2012. Important loans from Egyptian museums rarely seen before outside Egypt will be supplemented with objects from various sites across the Delta, drawn from the British Museum’s collection. www.britishmuseum.org

WILL PEARSON

THE LAST WORD TUESDAY MAY 24 TO SATURDAY JUNE 18, ROUNDHOUSE

ROUNDHOUSE

The best of spoken word, storytelling and live performance will be at the Roundhouse when The Last Word festival returns for its third season.

Highlights from this year’s thrilling programme showcase the finest home-grown Roundhouse talent, alongside rising stars and original trailblazers, including: Words First Live, featuring Kate Tempest and six of the UK’s hottest young spoken word artists; Debris Stevenson’s Dirtee Verse; Mark Grist and Tim Clare’s Only You Can Save Poetry; and Mum’s the Word from Burning Eye poets Hollie McNish, Liv Torc and Lydia Towsey. www.roundhouse.org.uk

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WHAT'S ON ALADDIN FRIDAY MAY 27 TO SATURDAY OCTOBER 1, PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE Discover a whole new world in a whole new way when Disney’s Aladdin takes to the stage at the Prince Edward Theatre. From the producer of The Lion King, Aladdin features the much-loved songs from the Academy Award-winning 1992 animated film, as well as new music written by Tony, Olivier and eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken. This extraordinary theatrical event is directed and choreographed by Tony and Olivier Award winner Casey Nicholaw, and will sweep you off your feet for a magic carpet ride you’ll never forget. www.aladdinthemusical.co.uk

PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE

WINIFRED KNIGHTS (1899-1947) WEDNESDAY JUNE 8 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 18, DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY As part of Dulwich Picture Gallery’s Modern British series – a programme devoted to critically neglected Modern British artists – Winifred Knights is the first major retrospective of the award-winning Slade School painter.

Reuniting all her completed paintings for the first time since their creation, the exhibition includes the apocalyptic masterpiece The Deluge, which attracted immense critical acclaim. Alongside her five most famous works, nearly 120 intricate preparatory studies, illustrations and portraits will provide an insight into the artistic processes of this incredibly talented and under-appreciated woman artist. www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

DEEN VAN MEER

BENEDICT JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY

GEORGIANA HOUGHTON: SPIRIT DRAWINGS THURSDAY JUNE 16 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 11, THE COURTAULD GALLERY For the first time in nearly 150 years, spiritualist artist Georgiana Houghton’s abstract Victorian watercolours will be displayed at The Courtauld Gallery in Somerset House. Spirit Drawings comprises over 20 of Houghton’s complex and layered works, which were first shown in London in 1871, showcasing her pioneering use of drawing as a means of communicating with the spirit realm. Prominent in the early spiritualist movement, her highly accomplished and technical use of bold colours and fluid forms was a fascinating precursor of 20th-century abstract art. www.courtauld.ac.uk/gallery

THE COURTAULD GALLERY

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