Top London hotel Claridges has appointed an artist-in-residence to create a permanent visual record of the famous guests who pass through its lobby.
David Downton, the illustrator made famous for his impressions of style icons such as Cate Blanchett and Dita von Tesse for top fashion magazine Vogue will draw famous guests that walk through the doors of the Mayfair-based hotel. The drawings will then hang in a permanent exhibition in the hotel’s lobby.
At a glitzy lunch thrown by the hotel to celebrate David’s new appointment he said, "Glamour and an effortless assurance are the hallmarks of Claridges. I am excited and honoured to be the first ever artist-in-residence at high fashion's home from home."
Claridges general manager Thomas Kochs added, "Taking on the Claridge's archive is a huge responsibility.
"We wouldn't want to trust anyone but David with it."
Koch then asked guests at the lunch - a mix of models, actresses and industry professionals - including English model Erin O ‘Connor and former model Marie Helvin, to raise their glasses.
The hotel has not revealed who will kick-start the exhibition, but rumours suggest Sir Paul McCartney or one of the fashion names that are regulars at the hotel including Carolina Herrara, Diane von Furstenberg and Christian Louboutin, could be in the running.
"Sometimes people say they envy me and I can't help but agree with them - I envy me too,” said Downton.
"A supermodel poses - I draw it and suddenly I land the gig of the century. I don't think anyone comes up the three steps to Claridges without a little lift to their heart. I'm going to love this job."
Image: David Downton with Eric O'Connor and Carmen Dell'Orefice
