Cathay Mansions - Shanghai - 1929
Cnr Rue Cardinal Mercier & Rue Bourgeat, French Concession.
Seemingly timeless in design, this high-rise residential apartment and hotel block represented the modern and sophisticated way of living in the late 1920s; the large living spaces were "designed to relieve taipans of the onus of maintaining big mansions, heavily staffed." Developed by Shanghai's own Sir Victor Sassoon, the building housed 279 private apartments, a bakery, Tudor style banqueting hall and roof garden. Retail shops occupied those units at street level. The style is said to be Gothic Art Deco and it contrasts the brown brickwork with the white render. It would not look out of place in Manhattan and is as striking today as the day it was unveiled; the architects were Messrs Palmer & Turner. To view a photo taken in the 1940s, go to www.flickr.com/photos/10232046@N00/2075772496
It continues to function as the Jin Jiang Hotel and has hosted foreign dignitaries over the years.
Cathay Mansions - Shanghai - 1929
Cnr Rue Cardinal Mercier & Rue Bourgeat, French Concession.
Seemingly timeless in design, this high-rise residential apartment and hotel block represented the modern and sophisticated way of living in the late 1920s; the large living spaces were "designed to relieve taipans of the onus of maintaining big mansions, heavily staffed." Developed by Shanghai's own Sir Victor Sassoon, the building housed 279 private apartments, a bakery, Tudor style banqueting hall and roof garden. Retail shops occupied those units at street level. The style is said to be Gothic Art Deco and it contrasts the brown brickwork with the white render. It would not look out of place in Manhattan and is as striking today as the day it was unveiled; the architects were Messrs Palmer & Turner. To view a photo taken in the 1940s, go to www.flickr.com/photos/10232046@N00/2075772496
It continues to function as the Jin Jiang Hotel and has hosted foreign dignitaries over the years.