Issue 48 AUG 25 web - Flipbook - Page 12
The Dorchester unveils
The Oliver Messel Suite;
A restoration of character and care
London July 2025 - The Dorchester will reopen the Oliver Messel Suite
mid-November, following a detailed restoration of one of Britain’s most singular
hotel interiors.
The revival has returned every element of the suite
to its original 1953 brilliance. Led by Hare &
Humphreys, specialists in restoration and conservation, the process called for over 2,000 hours of
work and more than 2,750 sheets of 23.5-carat
gold leaf, applied using traditional techniques.
First revealed in 1953 and created by stage designer
Oliver Messel, the suite has been returned to life with
an exacting precision that honours its theatrical
spirit, unapologetic craft and cultural importance.
The project reflects The Dorchester’s continued
commitment to celebrating places with depth and
meaning. Led by some of the country’s most skilled
artisans and conservators, the work brings clarity and
intention back to a suite long known for its playful
elegance and layered design.
