RH London Opens its Grand 'Gallery' in Historic Mayfair Mansion
RH, formerly known as Restoration Hardware, has made a resounding entrance into the London scene with its monumental new flagship, 'The Gallery,' housed within the historic Uxbridge House in Mayfair. This expansive establishment redefines luxury home furnishings by seamlessly integrating retail, fine dining, and cultural experiences across five meticulously designed levels, showcasing the brand's elevated vision for sophisticated living.
RH's Grand Unveiling: A Fusion of History, Design, and Gastronomy in Mayfair
In a move that marks a significant expansion of its European footprint, the renowned American luxury home furnishings purveyor, RH, has launched 'RH London, The Gallery' at the distinguished address of 7 Burlington Gardens in London's affluent Mayfair district. This ambitious undertaking sees the 18th-century Palladian mansion, Uxbridge House—a masterpiece by Italian architect Giacomo Leoni dating back to 1721—transformed into a sprawling, multi-faceted destination. Working in close collaboration with the celebrated Foster + Partners, RH has meticulously restored and reimagined Uxbridge House, along with three neighboring landmark properties, converting them into a singular, cohesive space encompassing more than 5,000 square meters. This colossal 'Gallery' now stands as the brand's most comprehensive showcase of luxury home furnishings globally, presenting an unparalleled blend of retail, exquisite dining, design studios, and cultural offerings. The new London outpost follows RH's successful 2023 debut at Aynho Park in Banbury and subsequent European expansions in Paris, Milan, Brussels, Madrid, Munich, and Düsseldorf, yet the Mayfair location signifies a new pinnacle in scale and grandeur.
Upon entering through the impressive Roman Doric portico, visitors are greeted by the 'Architecture & Design Library.' Here, herringbone floors crafted from European white oak and elegant museum-style plinths provide a stately backdrop for a collection of rare classical texts, including a priceless 1521 first Italian edition of Vitruvius's 'De Architectura'—a foundational work that profoundly influenced Western architectural principles and continues to shape RH's design philosophy. A breathtaking, scenic glass lift, a creation of Foster + Partners, with its champagne gold-finished steel shaft, gracefully connects all five levels of this magnificent edifice. Adjacent to this architectural marvel, the 'Wine Bar and Tea Salon' invites guests to indulge in a refined ambiance, adorned with Bronze Amani Spanish marble. Further within the mansion, the former banking hall has undergone a stunning metamorphosis into 'The Dining Room,' a 136-seat restaurant. Here, towering champagne-lacquered Roman columns, stretching nearly eight meters high, support a coffered ceiling lavishly hand-finished in gold leaf. Suspended from mirrored skylights above are tiered chandeliers of hand-blown Venetian glass, casting a soft glow upon a menu featuring elevated British culinary classics such as rib roast and fish and chips, prepared on custom Molteni rotisseries.
Ascending to the upper echelons of the building, the first floor's historic 'Piano Nobile' state rooms retain their original, intricately decorated 18th-century ceilings by master plasterer Joseph Rose, now providing a majestic setting for RH's exquisite interiors collections. The second floor presents an even more dramatic spectacle, featuring two distinctive spaces conceptualized by the acclaimed designer and hotelier Anouska Hempel. 'The Perch at RH London' captivates with its smoked-glass aviary canopy, darkened églomisé walls, and a bar crafted from pure Absoluto Nero marble. This area extends onto a serene terrace garden, adorned with fragrant laurel trees, diamond-laid marble floors with elegant water rills, and grand glass birdcages that evoke the architectural grandeur of Ottoman master Mimar Sinan. Nearby, the 'World of RH Lounge' is centered around a mesmerizing 360-degree hologram, gracefully floating within a bronze and fluted mirror case. The third floor offers a tranquil sanctuary: a sheltered garden oasis bathed in natural light filtering through a massive ridged skylight composed of triangular glass panels and hand-selected European white oak beams. This verdant space houses RH Outdoor collections amidst soothing fountains, meticulously pleached plane trees, and inviting open fireplaces.
Strategically positioned opposite the illustrious Royal Academy of Arts, nestled between the prestigious New Bond Street and the sartorially significant Savile Row, RH London's location is as thoughtfully chosen as every design element within. More than just a retail space, 'The Gallery' represents a profound statement of luxury, design, and cultural immersion, firmly establishing RH as a formidable presence in the global design landscape.
RH London's bold expansion into Mayfair with 'The Gallery' serves as a compelling testament to the evolving landscape of luxury retail, where brands are increasingly curating immersive experiences that transcend traditional commerce. This venture highlights a growing appreciation for the fusion of historical architecture with contemporary design, creating spaces that are not merely transactional but transformative. It suggests that the future of high-end retail lies in offering a holistic lifestyle experience—one that blends art, gastronomy, and bespoke design services—thereby forging deeper connections with discerning clientele. For consumers, it means access to a richer, more engaging environment where products are encountered within a narrative of heritage and innovation. For the industry, it's a blueprint for creating destination retail that honors history while boldly envisioning the future of luxury living.