Following our previous posts Art in Context Part 1 and Part 2 where we spoke about Ham Yard Hotel and Charlotte Street Hotel, in Part 3 we wanted to focus on Haymarket Hotel, celebrating art through the eyes of well-known artists and emerging ones.

Situated in the heart of London’s Theatre district, the hotel was designed by legendary Regency architect John Nash, whose works include Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square.

As you enter the hotel, the lobby is reminiscent of an art gallery. In the foreground is a sculpture by Sir Tony Cragg made out of stainless steel. The organic shapes add movement to the space.

On the back wall, artist Sue Lawty has created a 22-foot long landscape artwork out of small pebbles. The alignment and position of the stones have been worked into a symmetrical, squared composition that creates contrast and balances the fluidity of the sculpture.

We have upholstered the sofa with bright block colours, creating a graphic look that creates a statement and makes the space standout.

Sue Lawty’s exhibition of artworks continues, moving from the lobby into the conservatory. This time a composition of smaller scale pieces dress the wall. These have been framed in white to give focus and attention to each individual artwork. Three large black and white wooden sculptures by artist Carol Sinclair rest in front, creating a graphic scene that catches your eye as you pass by.

Artist Jack Milroy uses collage as his main form of expression. His artwork “Pieces at an Exhibition” has been placed above the sofa in the conservatory. The artwork is complemented by a bright scheme of blue and green fabrics by Christopher Farr Cloth which dress the wall, soft furnishings and elements of the surrounding furniture.

Composed of cut and constructed inkjet paper, the narrative of his work creates excitement, uncertainty and to some extent the need for discovery and explanation. However, it is his intricate use of theme, colour and overall layout which keeps the viewer engaged with the artwork.

In the restaurant “Reclining Woman” by Dutch artist Carla Kranendonk is an explosion of colour. It represents the Kit Kemp Design Studio’s love of vibrant patterns, glittering treasures and expressions of femininity.

This artwork is our standout piece in the restaurant. Inspired by West Africa and the Caribbean, Carla’s works aim to capture the beauty, pride, strength and humour of the people who live there.

When talking about art there is hardly ever any limits. Art can be the final touch to any room, or the starting point of a scheme. It can completely change an atmosphere and bring a room to life.

No more is this true than in the heart of the hotel,  where the 55-foot swimming pool is home to a unique lighting installation by Martin Richman. Edged in stone, surrounded by acres of grey oak, the ceiling is covered in hundreds of twinkling, fibre-optic lights. The swimming pool acts as a mirror, reflecting the spectacular lighting scheme that uses strong contrasts of light and shadow and creates horizontal bands of colourful changing lights.

We have only scratched the surface of the treasures you can find at Haymarket Hotel. We have many more gems to share with you.

If you are interested in knowing more, join our upcoming Art Walk on 12th November led by Kit Kemp Design Studio’s own Willow Kemp and India Dickinson. Discover the curated art collection for yourself, and find out how to collect and successfully hang art, making it fun and interesting within a living space. Click here to book tickets.