The Savoy’s 125-year history in pictures

This week, London’s iconic Savoy Hotel celebrated its 125th anniversary. Situated in Westminster City, the luxury hotel was built by impresario Richard D’Oyly Carte and opened to much fanfare in 1889, since it was the first luxury hotel in the city boasting electric lights and lifts, en-suit bathrooms and a constant supply of hot water. In 1890, Carte hired the hotel’s first famous manager, César Ritz, who later became the founder of the Ritz Hotel. Rich and famous visitors from across the globe have long frequented the hotel, drawn by its consistent quality, luxury and style.

While one side of The Savoy faces the Strand, the other looks out across the River Thames, giving guests an idyllic view of the city. This painting by artist Harold Oakley shows the Savoy in 1904, with its ornate original balconies.

This image was taken in 1926 and depicts the red lift and liftman. The Savoy was the first hotel in the UK to install electricity-generated lifts, a feature only previously seen in opulent American hotels. The hotel was built on a plot of land next to The Savoy Theatre which opened in 1881. The plot was originally purchased by Carte to house an electrical generator for the theatre, making it the world’s first public building to be lit entirely by electricity.

The quality of service provided at The Savoy Hotel has become world-famous. Carte hired manager César Ritz and French chef Auguste Escoffier, to set this unprecedented standard of hotel service, dining and entertainment. This picture shows a a footman and pageboy in The Savoy Court in 1926.

Among the many American entertainers who brought swells of paparazzi to the hotel was Singing in the Rain star Fred Astaire, who can be seen here dancing on the roof of the hotel with his sister Adele in 1926.

On par with its unmatchable style and sophistication, The Savoy is also famous for its famous visitors. While in the 19th Century, guests included Royalty and aristocrats, the 20th Century saw a swell in new entertainment celebrities, such as silent movie star Charlie Chaplin. Here he is with his wife Oona, looking at the view of London from the roof of The Savoy, during their first trip to London together in the 1950s.

Stylish clientele at The Savoy Cecil Beaton, Lawrence Olivier and one of the the world’s most famous fashion designers Christian Dior, who is picture here with models wearing his designs in 1950.

Here, Her Majesty the Queen Mother can be seen arriving at The Savoy’s famous driveway. The hotel was also the first sighting of her daughter Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, who attended a wedding reception in 1946.

One of The Savoy’s most famous guests was bombshell movie star Marilyn Monroe. Here she is taking tea at The Savoy on a break from meeting the country’s press. The net panel in the middle of her dress caused particular comment in the next day’s papers

Here is The Savoy as it looks today, still an iconic symbol on London’s cityscape. After 125 years, famous faces still flock to the venue, which is as well-known as ever for its sophistication and elegance, maintaining a precedent for customer service across the world.