The Dorchester, London

The McAlpine family is one of Britain's best-known construction dynasties, responsible for some of the nation's most iconic engineering projects, including Wembley Stadium, the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Mulberry Harbours, the Millennium Dome and the London Olympic Stadium. The family also built and owned The Dorchester on Park Lane, one of London's most celebrated hotels.

In 1952, the McAlpines commissioned the renowned stage designer and decorator Oliver Messel to create a suite of rooms at The Dorchester to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II the following year. Evoking an elaborate theatrical stage set, the Oliver Messel Suite was conceived with colonnaded pillars, buttercup-yellow silk walls and a scalloped gilt toilet seat. Drawing on Venetian, Rococo and Ottoman interiors, Messel created an exuberant yet highly sophisticated decorative scheme that reflected his distinctive theatrical vision. He also designed the hotel's Penthouse and Pavilion entertaining rooms, which were inspired by one of his famous productions, Sleeping Beauty. Opening onto a rooftop terrace with a Rococo fountain and commanding views across London, these interiors became among the most celebrated spaces within the hotel.

When unveiled in 1953, the Penthouse Suite was considered the most fashionable and expensive hotel accommodation in London, commanding the extraordinary rate of £50 per night. It welcomed an illustrious clientele, including Elizabeth Taylor, and remains remarkably unchanged today, with Messel's interiors still preserved and in regular use.

Fawley Hill, Buckinghamshire

Built by Sir William in 1960 in the traditional Georgian style, Fawley Hill was conceived as a family home but quickly evolved into something far more imaginative: a deeply personal house where imagination, craftsmanship and hospitality came together in extraordinary fashion. Interior highlights include a dramatic oval-domed staircase hall; a vast conservatory with a model railway delivering jams and condiments at breakfast; a playroom where a dance floor depicting Britain’s pre-Beeching rail network conceals a swimming pool below; as well as a series of interconnected rooms designed by Oliver Messel. Together they formed a house that welcomed artists, makers, collectors and, naturally, fellow railway enthusiasts.

Working with the celebrated designer Oliver Messel, Sir William created an enchanting sequence of theatrical interiors - an elegant tented dining room, using fabrics designed by Messel; a drawing room lined with reclaimed Georgian pine panelling; and a jewel-box green music room - each leading effortlessly to the next. Messel’s involvement also provided a poignant connection to Sir William’s birthplace, The Dorchester, making Oliver Messel's contribution to Fawley Hill both fitting and deeply personal.

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Auction Details

Wednesday 12 August, 10.30am BST
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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VIEWING:

• Viewing at Dreweatts London (highlights): 16-17 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5LU
  • Monday 27 July: 10am-4pm
  • Tuesday 28 July: 10am-4pm
  • Wednesday 29 July: 10am-4pm
  • Thursday 30 July: 10am-4pm
  • Friday 31 July: 10am-4pm
• Viewing at Dreweatts Newbury (full sale): Donnington Priory, RG14 2JE
  • Saturday 8 August: 10am-3pm
  • Sunday 9 August: 10am-3pm
  • Monday 10 August: 10am-4pm
  • Tuesday 11 August: 10am-4pm
  • Wednesday 12 August: 10am-4pm

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