The Savoy closes this Saturday for a £100 million restoration programme.
The luxury London hotel will undergo a 16-month refurbishment all guest rooms, public areas, restaurants and The Savoy Court, the cul-de-sac entrance off the Strand and the introduction of new guest services.
It is holding a three-day auction on December 18-20 to give members of the public the opportunity to purchase items from the hotel’s past.
The 3,000 lots include lighting, mirrors, silverware, bedroom furniture and tableware, as well as magnificent chandeliers from The Thames Foyer, an Edwardian satinwood and rosewood banded bookcase from the fourth floor and the massive mahogany screen by David Linley from the Front Hall.
A portion of the proceeds will go to the Farms for City Children charity, which invites urban children to farms in Devon, Wales and Gloucestershire.
The hotel is due to re-open in May 2009.
By Bev Fearis
