Francis Hotel

Set within a row of Georgian townhouses in the heart of Bath, Francis Hotel is shaped by a historic sense of place. For this project, Artiq developed an immersive curatorial narrative spanning the guest rooms and Emberwood restaurant, drawing on the stories and histories of both the building and the city beyond. In the bedrooms, the collection takes on a homely, study-like character, featuring sketches, archival V&A prints and painterly works inspired by the professions of former townhouse residents.

Architectural motifs nod to John Wood the Elder, while gold tones, material details, and contemporary interpretations of wellness pay tribute to figures such as goldsmith John Dafler Harris and surgeon Richard T Gore. From architects and merchants to surgeons, composers and goldsmiths, the collection weaves visual and material references into a nuanced reflection of the hotel’s cultural and social heritage.

Within Emberwood, the atmosphere becomes warmer, richer and more elemental. Work by Evgeniya Strygina echos the restaurant’s namesake and open-hearth cooking method, adding depth, texture and intimacy to the space. Together, the curation creates a cohesive journey across the hotel, one that quietly celebrates the distinctive character that defines both the Francis and Bath itself.