Jumeirah Carlton Tower Celebrates Its Swinging Sixties Heritage With a Unique Exhibition Showcasing ‘Sixties Knightsbridge Style’
Jumeirah Carlton Tower is celebrating its 1960s beginnings with a ‘Sixties Knightsbridge Style’ exhibition in collaboration with Harrods and a Swinging Sixties Afternoon Tea. On display in an area of the hotel’s Chinoiserie lounge, the complimentary exhibition will run from 10th September to 20th November and will feature photos taken in the hotel in the 1960s, as well as images and clothing from the Harrods archive.
The Carlton Tower opened in 1961 as London’s first tower hotel and was the place to see and be seen in sixties Knightsbridge. Chelsea socialites flocked to the new Rib Room restaurant, international stars came to stay – including actress Cyd Charisse and American playwright Tennessee Williams – and Mary Quant used the hotel as a backdrop for her fashion shoots. A photo of Cyd Charisse taken on the roof of the hotel and a striking shot from one of Mary Quant’s fashion shows are featured in the exhibition.
Setting the scene in the 1960s, Harrods was at the forefront of celebrating the decade’s innovators and influencers, leading the way on the luxury landscape by introducing colourful and contemporary collections for young customers in London. On 7th June 1967, the fashion forward boutique Way In opened on the fourth floor. Way In offered a new integrated shop for young men and women where they could buy not only the latest fashions but also cosmetics, accessories, books and records. It had its own opening hours, modern uniforms, restaurant and jukebox, and its dedicated fashion buyers scoured the country for original and emerging designers, including Ossie Clark, John Marks and Mary Quant. ‘Sixties Knightsbridge Style’ will showcase adverts for Way In alongside an original Way In yellow mini dress by John Marks.
Guests will also be able to enjoy a Swinging Sixties Afternoon Tea in the hotel’s luxurious Chinoiserie lounge from 10th September to 20th November. Featuring savouries and pastries inspired by 1960s food trends, the afternoon tea includes Yuzu Really Got Me – sweet pastry tart with yuzu curd topped with Italian meringue; Swiss Rock ‘n’ Roll – 76% Belgian dark chocolate, lemon sponge, mascarpone cream and fresh raspberries; and Strawberry Cake Forever – Madagascan vanilla buttercream and Brockett hall strawberry preserve sponge cake.
The launch of the Swinging Sixties Afternoon Tea coincides with the opening of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s headline exhibition ‘You Say You Want A Revolution? Records and Rebels 1966-1970’. Running from 10th September 2016 to 26th February 2017, this major exhibition will explore the era-defining significance and impact of the late 1960s upon life today. As a hotel member of the V&A, Jumeirah Carlton Tower is offering guests an exclusive tea and ticket package for £55 which includes the Swinging Sixties Afternoon Tea, a glass of Laurent-Perrier Brut champagne and a ticket to the V&A exhibition (worth £16).
Located just off Sloane Street, Jumeirah Carlton Tower is just around the corner from Harrods and within comfortable walking distance of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The hotel has been offering luxurious accommodation and generous hospitality in the heart of one of the city’s most fashionable shopping districts ever since it opened in 1961.
‘Sixties Knightsbridge Style’ – Where and how
For more information or to reserve the Swinging Sixties Afternoon Tea, call +44 (0)20 7858 7185, email JCTdining@jumeirah.com or visit www.jumeirah.com/sixties-style.