This week, I was happy to have the chance to speak with Harry Handelsman, CEO of Manhattan Loft Corporation, which celebrates it’s 20th birthday this year. Harry has become universally recognized as the pioneer of Manhattan-style loft living in London. What caught my attention is his approach to development which prioritizes outstanding design above all. His projects to date have won him the highest praise from contemporaries within the industry.
During my last trip to London, I had the opportunity to see Harry’s St Pancras Hotel and Apartments on my way to catch the Eurostar to Paris. An 8 year restoration of this historically significant building — wow! A project which only the truly passionate of visionaries would undertake. And in keeping with this, Harry has recently launched a new art project, St Pancras Editions, which will publish limited edition artworks including silkscreen prints, sculptures and photographs working closely with contemporary masters and the best emerging talent. The launch edition, a silkscreen print of the legendary American actress and icon Jean Harlow by renowned pop artist Gerald Laing, is a truly exceptional piece of artwork.
Congratulations to Harry for all that’s been achieved in the 20 years to date and the best of luck for the next 20 years to come. And I will look forward to staying at Harry’s latest project, a new boutique hotel with Andre Balazs, when it opens on my next trip to London!
1. Whom do you credit for inspiring you to be the person you are today?
A lovely gentleman called Simon Reichman who gave me my first job. It was for one summer as a chauffeur and I learned so much from him. He is like my unofficial mentor.
2 What is your favorite get-away-from-it-all destination?
I like to hire a Boris Bike and cycle around Hyde Park with my daughter before having a coffee at The Serpentine. I can’t think of a better way to get-away-from-it-all.
3. How do you define your personal style?
Understated but hopefully stylish.
For the full interview, please visit the Kara Ross Facebook page.