Founded in 1868 by bright young things who were bored with London’s stuffy clubs, the Savile Club still attracts a lively and creative membership. It moved to its present home in 1927 where the extravagant interiors had been commissioned by JP Morgan’s sister in 1890 and were probably created in Paris and brought to Mayfair. Much of the decoration was simplified and the gilding painted over as was the fashion after the Great War. Through the foundation of a trust, the Club has been able to embark on a programme of research and restoration over the past few years.
One of the gilded decorations on the wall prior to being restored.
Another look at the ornate gilding work
Fully restored gilding in the ballroom of the Savile Club
The refurbished ballroom in all it’s glory!
In order to restore the gilding to it’s original state the trust undertook the majority of their work themselves bringing in Historic Interiors Ltd. to work on the specialist water-gilding in the dining room. Under the direction of Edek Sypion the club’s own team worked to refurbish the ballroom, the grand staircase and the bar.
The newly-gilded grand staircase in all it’s splendour!
As you can see, you’ve got to have a head for heights when it comes to restoring gilding!
The combination of the brown and gold gives this interior a rich, homey feel.
The attention to detail in this restoration even extends to monogramming the mouldings.