PARIS.- On 7th and 8th September,
Artcurial is holding the sale of a selection of furniture and objects from the Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, an icon of French art de vivre for almost a century. In order to continue to embellish its interiors, the Palace is now auctioning off numerous works of art and furniture, the fruit of this constant evolution. Artcurial, with its strong experience in the sale of palaces, will present over 800 lots from the imperial and royal suites, the salon de lÉlysée and Le Cinq, the three-star restaurant.
Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris
Created by Georges Wybo (1880-1943), author of the reconstruction of the Printemps Haussmann, and André Terrail (1877-1947), restaurateur and owner of the Tour d'Argent, this iconic hotel, inaugurated in 1928, was named George V in tribute to the British sovereign. Bought in 1997 by Saudi Prince Al-Walid, it was renamed Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris when it reopened in 1999, after two years of renovation under the aegis of the renowned architect Pierre-Yves Rochon. Regularly awarded the most prestigious prizes for the excellence of its service and the high level of expertise of its talents, it has become a true embodiment of the French art de vivre with an international reputation.
The refurbishment of this Art Deco architectural gem was entrusted to the famous architect and interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, following the buyout in 1997. In order to reflect the French spirit by creating a subtle balance between 18th century influences and the Empire style, he brought together all the furniture, paintings, works of art and textiles that adorn the palace. The furnishings of the Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris give the palace a chic and timeless elegance where the classic French-English style meets the purest Parisian spirit. The floral arrangements, another signature of the House created by the famous Jeff Leatham, subtly interact with the interior designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon. The decorator's brief was to refurbish rather than replace, to preserve the authenticity and particularities of this almost one hundred year old hotel and thus enable it to survive the passage of time while perpetuating the tradition of the French hotel industry.
Amongst the 800 lots up for auction, the sale will offer beyond the Louis XVI style desks estimated at 100-200, leather armchairs from the English bar estimated at 800-1,000 but also pairs of Neoclassical style lamps estimated at 400-600, the hotel's pomp and circumstance which includes decorative elements in the taste of China: celadon porcelain vases estimated at 100-150 and lacquered screens estimated at 1,000-2,000 which adorn the various suites. Many other lots will be presented during this exceptional sale, which will delight lovers of rare and exceptional pieces.