The Savoy Sale - the end of an era?

As a huge fan of D'Oyly Carte I am dismayed and, I admit, a little envious of those than can afford to reap from the news that The Savoy Hotel is selling off 'surplus' items at an auction held by Bonhams later this month.

Since it was built in 1889 by the great theatrical impressario Richard D’Oyle Carte, who owned the adjacent Savoy Theatre, The Savoy Hotel has become a name synonymous with luxury and style. Now three thousand items of furniture from the hotel will be sold by Bonhams, the international fine art auctioneers, on 18 – 20 December 2007 at the hotel, just days after The Savoy Hotel closes for a £100 million refurbishment.

Bonhams’ Director of The Savoy Sale, Harvey Cammell, says: “The auction presents everyone around the world with a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to acquire an extraordinary range of iconic items from one of the most famous Hotels in the world.”

The furniture to be sold, which includes lighting, mirrors, works of art, and silver plate, will all be offered at “no reserve”, which means that items could go for as little as £20. However, some of the more important furnishings are expected to fetch in excess of £15,000. But will The Savoy Hotel ever be the same again?

For more information about The Savoy Sale, visit www.bonhams.com