Located on the southern side of Queens Square in the historical heart of Bath, the Francis Hotel now occupies seven former townhouses (numbers 5 to 11), designed by Georgian architect John Wood, the Elder in 1736. Although the terrace was built in the Georgian period, it was not converted into a hotel until some decades later. The exuberance and eclecticism of the Regency period then became a strong influence for the design team.
The hotel features a series of blue plaques in the corridors, which informs the visitor of the inhabitants and professions of each townhouse, whilst helping to orientate the guest around the hotel. Hand-drawn illustrations picturing typical daily scenes of the occupants of each townhouse can be found in the bedrooms. To give it a contemporary touch, modern elements have been secreted in the images.
Original artwork and craftsmanship has been featured in the hotel on walls, with original artwork commissioned for lampshades, wardrobes, wallpaper and glazed screens. One large piece of artwork in the lounge uses cover pages of the traditional Bath City Guide, whilst black and white photographs depicting Bath’s recent history adorn the walls of one staircase. These are intended to transform the hotel into a story-telling hub, where history and heritage become the main inspiration.
Heritage paint colours, and period-inspired furniture and wallpapers sit alongside contemporary pieces. A geometric black and white floor in the reception area is combined with dark Oxford blue walls, and deep buttoned reception desks. A lot of period detailing is picked out in white and bespoke ‘floating’ chandeliers.
Parts of the building that have been destroyed in the blitz in 1947 are rebuilt in the 1950’s with a little period detailing and grandeur in other areas retained. It features large mirrored panels with gilt plaster mouldings to bounce light from the refurbished chandeliers, around the lounge.
The bedrooms, through the use of bespoke gloss black furniture, heritage wall colours and ornate accessories, reflect the boldness and diversity of the Regency period. The slightly wicked humour of the regency period can be found in the artwork panel in the bar and other quirky details incorporated throughout the hotel.
The bedrooms in the attic, originally occupied by the servants, were a particular challenge but the designers have provided the solution to embrace the rooftops location, and commission a beautiful hand drawn sketch looking out across the rooftops of Bath. This was then used to paper the outside wall of the room.
