Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong Unveils Lichfield Suite

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. October 14, 2008

HONG KONG, March 1, 2007. Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong has unveiled the final stage of its multi-million dollar renovation, an exclusive suite dedicated to the memory of Patrick Lichfield, the celebrated photographer behind Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group's award-winning global He's a fan/She's a fan advertising campaign.

A regular visitor to Hong Kong for over forty years, Lord Lichfield always stayed at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, considering it his Asian home. His untimely death came shortly before the hotel's extensive renovation began, and it was decided to honour his contribution to Mandarin Oriental history by creating a suite in his name.

Lord Lichfield had a wide and eclectic group of friends: A cousin of HM Queen Elizabeth II and friend of Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones, Lichfield charmed all who knew him, enjoying an illustrious career photographing many of the world's most beautiful women. His last fan portrait for Mandarin Oriental was of recent Oscar-winning actress Dame Helen Mirren.

The interior design for the suite pays homage to Lichfield's celebrated style. His friend, Nicky Haslam, the well-known British interior designer, was specially commissioned for the project, and sought inspiration from Lichfield's legendary London photographic studio.

Furnished in black, white, silver and red, the suite is reminiscent of the 1960's and 70's, with stylistic details that evoke a photographic studio, such as tripod lamps and curtains made from metallic fabric. The glass-topped coffee table contains Lichfield memorabilia, including contact sheets, keepsakes and even some of the miniature Tabasco bottles that he always carried with him.

Thoughtful details have been incorporated throughout the 80 sq m space such as the nightstand, which holds some of Lichfield's favourite books as well as his own published titles. Some never previously shown shots of Hong Kong are hung on the walls as well as portraits of Joanna Lumley and Chaplin and Brando, alongside informal photographs of the British Royal family.

"Patrick was instrumental in portraying the image behind Mandarin Oriental's brand, photographing our many celebrity fans in locations where they felt most comfortable. His talent, creativity and wit were enjoyed by all who knew him," said Edouard Ettedgui, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental. "The creation of this beautiful suite at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, his favourite hotel, is a fitting tribute and provides a rare insight into both his prolific career and private life."

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world's most prestigious hotels and resorts, currently operating 20 luxury hotels with a further 14 under development in Riviera Maya, Mexico and Hainan Island, China (2007), Barcelona and Boston (2008), Dallas, Chicago, Las Vegas, Macau, Marrakech, Turks and Caicos and Grand Cayman (2009) and Guangzhou, Taipei and Paris (2010). In total, Mandarin Oriental now operates, or has under development, 9,500 rooms in 20 countries with 15 hotels in Asia, 12 in The Americas and seven in Europe and North Africa.

Photography of Mandarin Oriental is available to download, in high and low resolution, in the Photo Library of our Media section, at www.mandarinoriental.com.