In the early 1800s, the winds of the Industrial Revolution swept across the world, and London, one of the leading cities of the new world, was under its influence. The story of Brown’s Hotel began in 1837 when James Brown and Sarah Willis purchased four townhouses on Dover Street. Thus, London’s first hotel was established.
While the features of Brown’s Hotel started with being a first in London, they didn’t stop there. With the number of townhouses increasing from 4 to 11 by 1859, Brown’s Hotel began
to grow and cater to more visitors. By opening a restaurant within the hotel, Brown’s Hotel set another precedent. Prior to this initiative, guests who had retired to their private rooms began to gather and share more than just meals. They began to socialize and share their ideas. This decision, which facilitated the socialization of British high society and distinguished visitors, not only changed the concept of the hotel but also shaped social dynamics.
Brown’s Hotel, which pioneered many firsts in history, also witnessed numerous innovations. Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, brought his invention to this hotel to negotiate with the British Government and made the first telephone call here.
The hotel was not only a destination for inventors but also for artists and writers. Talented individuals such as Oscar Wilde, Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert Louis Stevenson, Rudyard Kipling, and Bram Stoker were known for their regular visits to the hotel. Kipling, who first set foot in this hotel for his honeymoon, later withdrew into seclusion here to write his works.
Brown’s Hotel, built in 1837, has maintained its original aesthetics over the years thanks to careful preservation and maintenance. In recent times, some renovations have been made, aimed at preserving the integrity of the hotel while enhancing certain aspects. These included redesigning the entrance lobby to provide a more spacious layout and reconsidering the lighting in the reception area. The changes were not limited to the entrance hall and extended to the guest rooms on the upper floors. Among the most daring changes was undoubtedly the merging of two guest rooms to create a model suite. The Donovan Bar and Hotel restaurant were also redesigned to provide services suitable for modern clientele. These design efforts included creating new seating arrangements, making interior wall treatments, and redesigning integrated wine display cabinets. Specifically for the Donovan Bar, it was decided to increase its existing capacity and create a contemporary interior design suitable for its discerning clientele. These small interventions over time not only preserve the integrity and aesthetics of the structure without causing harm but also make it timeless and strengthen the relationship between the space and its users.
While reflecting the architectural features of its era, the design of the hotel’s clean white facade adds a touch of modernity to the elegance brought by the design. The elegant columns reminiscent of Georgian architecture and the ornaments evoking neoclassicism adorn the two-door main entrance, emphasizing the building’s entrance. There is a consistent design line throughout the building, and symmetrical design elements achieved with elegant details still preserve the building’s period aesthetic. The openings spread across the entire facade serve as natural light sources for the hotel, while the openings on the lower floors, supported by elegant metal railings, create small protrusions on the facade. The red awnings adorning the ground floor windows not only protect users from harsh daylight but also add a softness to the hotel’s character. The hotel’s name written above the entrance door is in golden tones and designed with a font that does not disrupt the facade. Another element adorning the facade is the greenery placed both above the entrance door and on the small balconies. The use of such plants breaks the monotony of the facade’s white and rigid appearance, creating a warmer and more harmonious look with the cityscape.
Brown’s Hotel, with its timeless architecture and preserved elegance since 1837, has not only become London’s first hotel but also one of its finest, serving countless visitors. This hotel, which has been a destination for artists, politicians, and writers for years, still maintains its reputation and hosts many distinguished guests. With its design that provides a few seconds of tranquility amidst the bustling streets of London, Brown’s Hotel has been a favorite destination, evoking both old and modern London, thanks to the special attention paid to its building over the years. It summarizes the historical layers of London, the harmony of old and new, and the essence of London’s nature. Opening its doors to travelers from around the world, Brown’s Hotel beckons with its impeccable service and exquisite design, inviting guests to experience its charm firsthand.
REFERENCES:
Rocco Forte Hotels (no date) Brown’s Hotel: Five Star Luxury Hotel in London, Rocco Forte Hotels. Available at: https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/brown-s-hotel/ (Accessed: 19 February 2024).
Brown’s Hotel (no date) RIBA. Available at: https://find-an-architect.architecture.com/mortonscarr-architects/brighton/brown39s-hotel (Accessed: 19 February 2024).
Browns celebrates its 175th Anniversary – the handbook – the online PR resource & london venue guide (no date) Browns Celebrates Its 175th Anniversary – The Handbook – The Online PR Resource & London Venue Guide. Available at: https://web.archive.org/web/20140106034315/http://www.thehandbook.com/blog/browns-celebrates-its-175th-anniversary (Accessed: 19 February 2024).
