Step into a time capsule and witness the captivating evolution of the London Hilton, captured through the lens of photography from 1960 to 1963. This gallery showcases the hotel’s beginnings, from the initial site preparation to the final touches, all within a vibrant historical context. Click on any image to unveil its story and download it for your personal use.
Feel free to utilize these images in your publications, but please remember to credit their source: ©famoushotels.org. This is a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic structure.
Laying the Foundation: A Monument in the Making
This collection opens with a longitudinal section of the new Hilton, a blueprint that lays bare the architect’s vision. In March 1960, Conrad Hilton and Charles Clore meticulously studied these plans at the hotel’s future home. The first pour of concrete marked a pivotal moment, symbolizing the beginning of this ambitious undertaking.
The sheer scale of construction was truly astounding. Over 3,700 tons of steel reinforcement were meticulously placed, 175,000 square yards of shuttering erected, and 30,000 cubic yards of concrete poured – an impressive feat in such a bustling urban environment. This herculean effort demanded meticulous planning, stringent traffic regulations, and clear signage to ensure safety and efficiency. The volume of materials used was considered a record for a congested city area.
The construction process progressed steadily. The average time for building a standard bedroom floor in the tower was reduced from 7-8 days to a remarkable 5 days.
Standing Tall: A Beacon in the City
By 1961, the construction site on Park Lane was practically empty. The bulldozers had moved in, clearing the land for the grand new hotel. However, two tenants remained, Michael Ferszt and Mr. William Hockman, residing in their fourth and third-floor flats respectively. They held seven-year leases, and with unwavering determination, they saw them through to the end.
From the vantage point of The Dorchester hotel, the construction of the London Hilton unfolded like a majestic spectacle. The year 1962 saw the completion of the final touches; the hotel was almost ready to welcome guests.
A Royal Touch: A Landmark Unveiled
The London Hilton‘s grand opening was eagerly anticipated. In October 1962, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II took action to ensure privacy for herself and the Royal Family. A row of 12-foot-tall trees was planted along her favorite walking route in the Palace grounds, creating a green screen to protect them from prying eyes.
Susan Shilling joined the Hilton in March 1963 as the front office secretary. In those days, ladies were not allowed at the front desk, but Susan’s dedication earned her a promotion to personal assistant to the general manager, Louis Blouet. She described the experience as a transformation: “Suddenly I was treated like a queen. I was allowed to enter the hotel through the front entrance, to eat in the hotel’s restaurants, to use the hairdresser, and the dry cleaning at the hotel and was even offered to use one of the hotel’s TVs at home.”
A Symphony of Style: Hardy Amies’ Vision
Hardy Amies was a renowned Savile Row tailor and fashion icon who made history by staging the first men’s ready-to-wear catwalk show. He served as the official dressmaker to Queen Elizabeth II for over 40 years and even designed the visionary costumes for Stanley Kubrick’s film 2001: A Space Odyssey.
In 1963, Amies was commissioned to design the uniforms for the London Hilton, a project he approached with meticulous attention to detail. He explained: “The designs are based on those of the grand English houses – something formal and elegant in keeping with the traditions of the great houses of Park Lane.” His sophisticated designs perfectly reflected the hotel’s air of refined elegance.
A Legacy of Glamour: The London Hilton Opens its Doors
A series of advertisements featuring the iconic hourglass design announced the imminent opening of the London Hilton. The hotel finally opened its doors to the world, a majestic symbol of modern architecture and luxurious hospitality.
This collection provides a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of the London Hilton, from its humble beginnings to its grand debut. The gallery offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the effort, vision, and creativity that went into creating this enduring landmark.
