In the beginning, it was the “Old War Office,” a prestigious building in Whitehall, seat of the imperial military machine of Great Britain, from which Churchill directed the operations of World War II. A historic building that takes on a new life today: it was sold by the Ministry of Defence, and has become a luxury hotel: Raffles London at the Old War Office. After major refurbishing, the OWO officially opens its doors on 29 September, with 120 rooms and 85 spacious private residences, nine restaurants, three bars, a spa and a fitness facility.
Built on the historic royal site of the Whitehall Palace and witness to world-shaping events in the 20th century, Britain’s Old War Office has undergone a monumental six-year transformation. The building – already enormous when it was constructed, from 1899 to 1906 – has been enlarged from 580,000 sqm to over 800,000, with three new underground levels to create a ballroom and a 20-meter swimming pool under marble arches.
The project has been supervised by Hinduja Group, an international firm with income in the multi-billions, experienced in the renovation of historic buildings, and by Onex Holding, a private investment group with solid experience in the development and management of strategic and critical infrastructures.
Photo © Tom St. Aubyn Photography
To complete the project and to bring light to the main hall, the Hinduja family has commissioned iDOGI, a glassworks with which they have a long-term relationship of trust and collaboration, to produce the impressive Meridies chandelier above the monumental steps of the entrance of Raffles London at the Old War Office. Designed and crafted by the Murano glassworks, the chandelier has a height of over 8 meters, with a diameter of 2.3; it is composed of 96 lights and over 3000 parts in Venetian glass, blown and shaped by hand. The skill of iDOGI has led to the creation of a sumptuous chandelier, involving a team of highly specialized designers and artisans during one year of work.
