I might well have been in a time warp seeing Oscar Wilde getting arrested in Cadogan Hotel in London’s Knightsbridge but then that’s living art in leading hotels for you.
Oscar, as we know don’t we, had rooms at the hotel around the corner from his marital home…
And his next abode would be less fancy, a cell in Reading Gaol.
It was all there in glorious colour as I descended the stairs for my breakfast.
And I flirted with being arrested too after arguing about the price of the food with the staff worried I’d do a runner.
Leading the way
Now not all hotels have such history but clearly the more prestigious have and our friends at the The Leading Hotels of The Word’s have compiled the hotels with the best artwork ahead of art week next week.
The collection offers a variety of hotels which house numerous contemporary and traditional pieces including one with similar lineage, we assume. L’oscar in London.
While the Dolder Grand in Zurich is home to around 100 works of art by 90 renowned artists.
And Le Negresco in Nice has a collection of artwork spanning over five centuries.
Hôtel Swexan takes influences from Texas and Switzerland, whereas The Saxon stays true to its South African roots.
Dodder around the Dolder
Dolder Grand, Zurich: Around one hundred works of art by ninety celebrated artists are on display throughout the hotel with most accessible to all guests.
With others reserved for hotel guests on particular floors.
The diverse mix of artists includes Ferdinand Hodler, Urs Fischer and Max Bill.
While at the entrance to the ‘The Restaurant’ lies “Femmes métamorphosées – Les sept arts” by Salvador Dalí.
And “Le Monde” by Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely, can be seen en route to the hotel spa.
L’Oscar goes to…
L’Oscar, London: And that’s not the only connection with the effervescent spirit of Oscar Wilde vividly captured in the portraits that adorn the walls in this central London hotel.
While there is a prized picture here of Frank Cadogan Cowper and his “Venetian Ladies Listening to the Serenade”.
Equally enchanting is the original 1861 painting by Jules Joseph Lefebvre, “Diva Vittoria Colonna”, a work of art that radiates grace and timeless elegance.
Oil paintings of Virginia Woolf further enrich the ambiance with a sense of literary history.
Nice decor
Le Negresco, Nice: It feels much like entering a museum.
One in which artists’ Picasso, Dali and Chagall were regulars.
A Baccarat chandelier with over 16,000 crystals hangs in the Royal Lounge, commissioned and in later years gifted by Czar Nicholas II.
Modern sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle are juxtaposed with historic works from Louis XIII’s reign, including a portrait of King Louis XIV.
Swanky Swexan
Hotel Swexan, Dallas: The Swiss/Texas art story of Hôtel Swexan began over a century ago.
With the first of what is now four generations of the Barbier-Mueller family art collection.
The hotel’s Samurai Art Collection is also the largest of its kind in the world outside of Japan.
With more than 1.5 million visitors worldwide.
In addition, Hermès scarves designed by Aline Honoré for the family’s Samurai Collection are on display throughout the hotel.
Saxon call
Saxon Hotels, Villas & Spa, Johannesburg, South Africa: The collection has been selected from both established and emerging artists from across Africa, Europe and the East.
The hotel also offers guests suggested itineraries.
With an art focus that encourage them to explore whilst visiting the city of Johannesburg.
This includes visiting well-known South African art galleries.
Along with giving them the chance to meet with local artists in person.