Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London to reopen Ballroom on 14 February 2006

The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is to reopen its historic ballroom on 14 February 2006 following a six week restoration programme.

In 1911, renowned architects Mewès and Davis enchanted London with their French classical designs from the Louis XV period, for the Hyde Park hotel’s ballroom and adjoining rooms. The ballroom became infamous in following years when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the late Princess Margaret first learned to dance on what is now, London’s only sprung dance floor. Almost a century later, the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is soon to complete the restoration programme undertaken by royal architects Donald Insall Associated Ltd.

The greatest of care was taken to ensure the restoration was loyal to the hotel’s opulent Victorian heritage whilst also providing the comfort and advanced technology required of a contemporary establishment. Custodians of the programme, architects Donald Insall - famous for their conservation of royal residence Windsor Castle after the 1992 fire - have been triumphant in their use of traditional methods and materials.

Several faux material and structural features that were in conflict with Mewès and Davis original vision have been removed. In their place, new wall lighting and mirrors, a black border on the marble floor and a graceful platinum-leaf ceiling provide a lightness and fluidity as guests move upstairs towards the ballroom. Hands rest on an elegant ironwork balustrade inspired by original designs from the Palace of Versailles before alighting the grand staircase through to the foyer where thoughtful use of light stone colours and a simply patterned claret and gold carpet provide a dignified prelude to the drama and splendour of the restored ballroom.

The spectacular views of Hyde Park from the ballroom became a strong inspiration for the restoration project. Most notably, a newly laid carpet was woven from a palette of hues inspired by the fresh blue of the London sky and the lush green of the park’s foliage and lawns. Throughout the ballroom rich, 24-carat gilding highlights the room’s many restored architectural features, allowing its abundant natural daylight - a rare feature in any London venue - to dance off every cornice and crevice.

In the adjoining, more intimate Carlyle Suite, varying shades of light stone bring to life bas relief panels depicting classical scenes around the room. In the centre of the room two majestic arched openings have been reopened, restoring the room to its original layout, and greatly increasing the sense of space and movement between the two bay windows overlooking Knightsbridge.

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