The Ritz Hotel, London - Marcus Binney|James Mortimer

As the refurbishment of the Ritz Hotel in London reaches completion, this is a celebration of the history of the hotel and, in photographs, a record of the survival of much of its essential character and decorative features nearly a century after its completion.;The genius of the French architect Charles Mewes and his partner Arthur Davis lay in their ability to retain a sense of intimacy whilst creating public areas of grandeur and opulence. They built an imposing Grand Gallery running the length of the building and providing access to all ground-floor facilities, notably the Palm Court, the stately Marie Antoinette Room and the magnificent Restaurant at the west end overlooking Green Park. All these aspects are illustrated in a range of original architects' floor plans, historic photographs and catalogues, together with photographs of the present interior, including the kitchen, and of key members of management and staff whose dedication to the cause of ensuring the comfort of guests continues in the spirit of the hotel's legendary founder.