ABSTRACT

Carte’s position in the music profession had been achieved by a guided apprenticeship, years spent studying his craft, assessing strengths and weaknesses and learning from his mistakes. In a similar way, William and Marianne Claridge learned the skills associated with the hospitality profession, beginning with just one terraced house at 51 Brook Street which they ran as a hotel. In 1854 the Claridges purchased the house next door, Mivart’s Hotel, and the business grew with the purchase of other neighbouring properties. So successful were they that by 1860 Claridge’s Hotel was favoured with a visit by Queen Victoria. By way of contrast, when D’Oyly Carte ventured into the profession of hotelier he did so simply from his observations and experiences as a guest. The risk he took would cost him dearly.