Acknowledgements

It’s difficult to know where to begin because there are so many people I need to thank. But I suppose my starting point has to be my family – my great-grandfather Giuseppe, my grandfather Giulio and my father Bertie, in whose footsteps I trod during my own career in hotels.

Of them I have to say that Giulio was my inspiration, but Bertie – or Dadsa as we all knew him in the family – was a constant source of love, support, advice and encouragement.

Once I decided to write this history of the four generations of Gelardi hoteliers, it was to my brother Paul that I turned first. Both Giulio and my father left behind massive archives of reminiscences, pictures, menus, tickets and much more. Paul has done an amazing job working on the geneology of the family going back many generations and his research has been absolutely invaluable.

Initially, Jeremy Hughes took up the mantle, ploughing through the archives, and transcribing Giulio’s and my father’s diaries and historical notes. His work forms the backbone of this book.

And then my old friend Martin Derrick joined the project, adding much new research, editing the material already in hand and doing a great job in terms of picture research, design and layout. We first met when we were twelve years old at school and have remained close friends ever since. It was also he who introduced me to the publisher Unicorn so I have so much to thank him for.

I’ve also had help, advice and the supply of imagery from many friends and colleagues in the hotel business, most especially from The Savoy and Claridge’s. I thank them all.

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(Left): Friends for over 50 years! With Martin Derrick, who provided invaluable help in the preparation of this book.