Luton Hoo Hotel
The Wernher Restaurant
The restaurant, named after the previous owner Sir Julius Wernher who had made his fortune from the diamond mines of South Africa. Wernher had the interior remodelled in the early 20th century by the architects of the Ritz Hotel, Charles Mewes and Arthur Davis, including the addition of the mansard roof to increase staff accommodation. This alteration, coupled with the newly installed casement windows was in the Second Empire style.
The lavish redesigning of the interior in the belle epoque style resulted in a magnificent backdrop for Wernher's acclaimed art collection. The marble-walled dining room was designed to display Beauvais tapestries, while the newly installed curved, marble staircase surrounded Bergonzoli's statue "The Love of Angels". The massive Blue hall at the centre of the house displayed further tapestries, Louis XV furniture, and Sèvres porcelain. Sir Julius Wernher's widow, later Lady Ludlow, added her collection of English porcelain to the treasures of the house.
During the Second World War the Wernher family allowed the house to serve as Headquarters Eastern Command. Luton Hoo's grounds were also used as a tank testing ground for the Churchill tanks that were produced at Luton's Vauxhall factories.
Grade I
Main Contractor
To remove and reinstate loose marble cladding and make good the marble panels and joints.
The loose pieces of marble were carefully removed and set aside. The cause of the problem was determined and then each piece individually replaced. Minimum disruption was caused to the restaurant.
Making good was carried out using coloured resins, carefully blended to match the original. It was then polished back to the original finish. A beam of painted and polished plaster was structurally repaired and painted by hand to hide the works undertaken.
Making good was carried out using coloured resins, carefully blended to match the original. It was then polished back to the original finish. A beam of painted and polished plaster was structurally repaired and painted by hand to hide the works undertaken.
The works undertaken were again of a time sensitive nature. Working in a live hotel restaurant requires a sensitive and skilled workforce, dressed appropriately.
Materials:
Masonry
Natural Stone
Work:
Restoration
Sector:
Commercial
Heritage