An 18th-century Palladian mansion is home to the new RH London.
CORTE MADERA, Calif. -- RH announced today the recent opening of RH London, The Gallery in Mayfair, Five Levels of Architecture, Design, Food & Wine, standing at the global epicenter of luxury and design between the fashion houses of New Bond Street and the legendary bespoke tailors of Savile Row. Designed by preeminent architect Giacomo Leoni, a pioneer of English Palladianism, the landmark reflects three centuries of London's rich architectural and cultural heritage.
Gary Friedman, RH founder and CEO, stated, "We don't always get to choose the right time in life, and believe there are times it chooses us. Opening London was one of those times. This extraordinary landmark deserved partners who shared our reverence for architecture and design. Having long admired the work of Anouska Hempel, the opportunity to partner with her - alongside Foster + Partners - allowed us to create a destination that transcends retail, where architecture, design and hospitality converge in a singular experience. Built on a foundation of rarity and reverence for what came before, RH London honors the building's extraordinary history while thoughtfully writing its next chapter, and ours."
The new location is in experience one of the few surviving Palladian mansions of 18th-century London, built in 1723 as Queensberry House. Later expanded for the 1st Marquess of Anglesey, the residence entered a new era as Uxbridge House before becoming home to the Bank of England, one of the world's oldest central banks. The renovation, undertaken by British architectural firm Foster + Partners, merged the three properties into a single gallery unveiling RH's "most inspiring and immersive retail and hospitality concepts in the history of the brand," the company stated.
RH London preserved Giacomo Leoni's grand stair.
The gallery, spanning five levels, is connected by a scenic glass lift conceived in collaboration with Foster + Partners, featuring a curved structure framed in champagne gold. Flanking the lift, a Tea Salon and Wine Bar clad in Bronze Amani Spanish marble serve classic specialty teas and exceptional Champagnes and wines from around the world.
Anchoring the entrance of RH London is a library featuring rare books from the foundational Italian masters - Vitruvius, da Vinci and Palladio - along with British master Jones. The collection's centerpiece is the first Italian edition, circa 1521, of De Architectura, The Ten Books on Architecture by 1st century BC architect Marcus Vitruvius, whose description of a man outstretched within a circle and a square inspired Leonardo da Vinci's famous drawing, The Vitruvian Man, some 1,500 years after his death.
RH London includes two dining options. One is The Dining Room, inside the historic banking hall with a gold leaf ceiling and inspired by the tradition of London's private members' clubs. The second includes an outdoor rooftop garden, The Perch by Anouska Hempel.
The Dining Room restaurant is located inside the historic banking hall.
The location also features RH's new RH Estates, showcasing the renowned works of iconic designers and furniture ateliers. Furniture, antiques, artifacts and art are presented in a gallery setting and each level features curated exhibits by global artists available to purchase.
The gallery showcases inspirational vignettes including RH Estate's new pieces alongside antiques and curated art.
Showcases is the Monastery dining table and Parisian Empire dining chairs.