On Saturday 15th November, Willow Kemp hosted a special edition of her New York Art Walk, beginning at The Whitby Hotel and concluding with an inspiring afternoon at the Museum of Modern Art. It was a day filled with creativity, craft and conversation. To celebrate the occasion, The Whitby is offering a limited time Art Walk Afternoon Tea, available through next week. Follow along to discover the tea and the highlights from this memorable day.
Willow welcomed the group in the drawing room at The Whitby Hotel, where she introduced some of the hotel’s most playful and characterful pieces. Guests explored the colourful displays in the adjoining ground floor rooms, continuing through The Orangery and into the Whitby Bar and Restaurant.
Along the way, Willow highlighted artwork that is unique to each space, each piece chosen with care and intention. Every wall has its own story. The fifty-two handwoven baskets suspended above the bar celebrate British craft. The lyrical paintings by Spanish artist Ramiro Saus, My Summer House, hang opposite the bar and instantly evoke a seaside holiday. The boxed acrylic Perspex plates, displayed like small framed artworks, catch the light as guests walk through the restaurant towards The Orangery. On the back wall, softly glowing Martha Freud porcelain pots are etched with landmark bridges from New York.
Willow also drew attention to the striking contemporary works in the entryway. These include the bold and graphic tile mural by British pop artist Joe Tilson, rich with symbolism, the woven artwork by Hermione Skye that showcases traditional craft through a modern and textural lens, and the beautifully beaded piece by Sanaa Gateja. Each brings its own burst of colour, wit, texture and spark.
The walk then continued to the Museum of Modern Art, where the group explored the permanent collection with a focus on British masters. This created a meaningful connection to Firmdale’s love of craft, pattern and modern British design.
To mark the event, Chef Anthony created a playful afternoon tea inspired by Willow’s walks. The menu blends classic favourites with artful touches. Sweet highlights include the Valrhona gianduja Maarten Baas Clock and the Maarten Baas Vanilla Macaron, both tributes to the Dutch designer’s captivating grandfather style clock in our lobby, where a man inside the clock redraws the hands every minute.
The Tilson spiced caramel pumpkin tart brings a warm, seasonal note while echoing the bold colour blocks of Joe Tilson’s stairwell mural. The pistachio and sour cherry Rick Rack mille-feuille adds a vibrant, graphic twist inspired by our signature Rick Rack fabric. Warm lemon poppyseed scones with clotted cream and preserves complete the experience, served with your choice of tea, hot chocolate, coffee or Champagne.
Each treat tells its own story, just like the artworks on display, making this tea a delightful way to enjoy something delicious while discovering the creativity woven throughout The Whitby Hotel. Join us before this special menu comes to an end next week, and keep an eye out for future Art Walks hosted by Willow in New York.