DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
Dernier & Hamlyn ’ s Exquisite Recreation of George IV Chandeliers for Raffles London at The OWO
- DERNIER & HAMLYN -
The grandeur of Raffles London at The OWO lies not only in its historic walls but also in the stunning custom lighting that brings each space to life . At the heart of this transformation is Dernier & Hamlyn , the British lighting manufacturer commissioned to recreate magnificent George IV chandeliers for the prestigious Haldane Suite , designed by The Office of Thierry Despont . This collaboration allowed Dernier & Hamlyn to combine over 130 years of lighting expertise with their passion for British heritage restoration , resulting in a lighting masterpiece that balances history and luxury .
The Haldane Suite , once home to the offices of Winston Churchill and Sir Richard Haldane , is an elegant 250-square-metre , two-bedroom space defined by rich wood panelling , grand fireplaces , and floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views over Whitehall . Inspired by pre-WWII photographs of the suite ’ s original lighting , Dernier & Hamlyn set out to recreate two brass chandeliers that would respect the building ’ s heritage while offering a sense of timeless sophistication .
To craft these unique fixtures , Dernier & Hamlyn ’ s artisans meticulously examined an 80-year-old image of the original chandeliers , using it to guide their initial sketches and final high-quality renderings . Each chandelier , nearly two metres tall and wide , was cast in solid brass , with twelve arms supporting twenty-four candle-lights and a central urn adorned with intricate acanthus leaf finials . These historical details echo the Haldane Suite ’ s ornate ceiling features , perfectly complementing the period character of the space .
The creation process was as intricate as the final chandeliers themselves . Dernier & Hamlyn ’ s team relied on a blend of traditional metalworking techniques and modern technology to achieve period accuracy and durability . Using 3D-printed models for casting , the team achieved flawless decorative elements and employed expert welding techniques to ensure a museum-quality finish . Given the chandeliers ’ impressive size , they had to be assembled on-site and carefully installed on the suite ’ s fivemeter-high ceiling , a testament to Dernier & Hamlyn ’ s commitment to precision and artistry .
“ It was an honour to be involved in the transformation of the Grade-II listed Raffles London at The OWO ,” said Madeleine Rasmussen , Business Development Manager for Dernier & Hamlyn . “ Recreating these chandeliers allowed us to blend historical authenticity with our passion for high-quality craftsmanship , breathing new life into this iconic space .”
Today , the George IV chandeliers illuminate the Haldane Suite , embodying the spirit of both Raffles London at The OWO and Dernier & Hamlyn ’ s commitment to heritage restoration . This project stands as a remarkable example of how bespoke lighting can seamlessly honour the past while enhancing a modern luxury experience .
For more on Dernier & Hamlyn ’ s bespoke lighting projects , from heritage restorations to luxury design , visit www . dernier-hamlyn . com
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