Mark Birley: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 16:57, 29 December 2024

Mark Birley (29 May 1930 – 24 August 2007) was a prominent English businessman best known for founding the exclusive nightclub Annabel's in London.

Early Life[edit]

Mark Birley was born in London, England, to Sir Oswald Birley, a celebrated portrait artist, and Lady Rhoda Birley. He was educated at Eton College and later attended University College, Oxford.

Career[edit]

In 1963, Mark Birley opened Annabel's, a private members' club in Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London. The club was named after his then-wife, Lady Annabel Vane-Tempest-Stewart. Annabel's quickly became one of the most prestigious nightclubs in London, attracting a clientele of celebrities, royalty, and aristocrats.

Birley expanded his business ventures by opening other exclusive clubs, including Mark's Club, Harry's Bar, and George. His clubs were known for their luxurious interiors and impeccable service.

Personal Life[edit]

Mark Birley married Lady Annabel Vane-Tempest-Stewart in 1954, and they had three children: Rupert, Robin, and India Jane. The couple divorced in 1975. Birley was known for his keen sense of style and was a prominent figure in London's social scene.

Legacy[edit]

Mark Birley's influence on the London nightlife scene was significant, and his clubs set a standard for exclusivity and elegance. Annabel's remains a symbol of high society and continues to operate as a prestigious venue.

Death[edit]

Mark Birley passed away on 24 August 2007 in London, England, at the age of 77.

References[edit]

"Mark Birley: Founder of Annabel's," The Telegraph, 25 August 2007.
"Obituary: Mark Birley," The Guardian, 26 August 2007.

External Links[edit]

[Annabel's Official Website](https://www.annabels.co.uk)

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-[[File: The king of clubs|thumb]] {{Infobox person
+{{Infobox person
 | name = Mark Birley
 | birth_date = 29 May 1930
@@ Line 5: / Line 6: @@
 | death_date = 24 August 2007
 | death_place = London, England
-| occupation = Businessman, Club Owner
+| occupation = Businessman
-| known_for = Founder of Annabel's
+| known_for = Founder of [[Annabel's]]
 }}
-'''Mark Birley''' (29 May 1930 – 24 August 2007) was a prominent English businessman and socialite, best known for founding the private members' club [[Annabel's]] in London. His contributions to the hospitality industry, particularly in the realm of exclusive clubs, have left a lasting legacy.
+'''Mark Birley''' (29 May 1930 – 24 August 2007) was a prominent English [[businessman]] best known for founding the exclusive [[nightclub]] [[Annabel's]] in [[London]].
 == Early Life ==
-Mark Birley was born in London, England, into a family with a rich cultural and artistic heritage. His father, Sir Oswald Birley, was a renowned portrait painter, and his mother, Lady Rhoda Birley, was a socialite. Mark was educated at Eton College, where he developed a keen interest in art and design.
+Mark Birley was born in [[London]], [[England]], to Sir Oswald Birley, a celebrated [[portrait artist]], and Lady Rhoda Birley. He was educated at [[Eton College]] and later attended [[University College, Oxford]].
 == Career ==
-Mark Birley's career began in the art world, where he worked as an art dealer. However, his most significant contribution came in the hospitality industry. In 1963, Birley founded [[Annabel's]], a private members' club located in the basement of 44 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London. Named after his then-wife, [[Lady Annabel Goldsmith]], the club quickly became a favorite haunt for celebrities, royalty, and the elite.
+In 1963, Mark Birley opened [[Annabel's]], a private members' club in [[Berkeley Square]], [[Mayfair]], [[London]]. The club was named after his then-wife, [[Lady Annabel Vane-Tempest-Stewart]]. Annabel's quickly became one of the most prestigious nightclubs in London, attracting a clientele of [[celebrities]], [[royalty]], and [[aristocrats]].
-=== Annabel's ===
-[[Annabel's]] was renowned for its exclusivity, elegance, and the high-profile clientele it attracted. The club's interior was designed by Birley himself, reflecting his impeccable taste and attention to detail. Over the years, Annabel's hosted numerous famous personalities, including [[Frank Sinatra]], [[The Rolling Stones]], and members of the British royal family.
-=== Other Ventures ===
+Birley expanded his business ventures by opening other exclusive clubs, including [[Mark's Club]], [[Harry's Bar]], and [[George]]. His clubs were known for their luxurious interiors and impeccable service.
-In addition to Annabel's, Mark Birley established several other successful clubs and restaurants, including [[Harry's Bar]] in London and [[Mark's Club]]. Each venue was characterized by a unique blend of sophistication and exclusivity, hallmarks of Birley's brand.
 == Personal Life ==
-Mark Birley was married twice. His first marriage was to [[Lady Annabel Goldsmith]], with whom he had three children: Rupert, Robin, and India Jane. The couple divorced in 1975. Birley later married Italian model and actress [[Alessandra Borghese]], but the marriage ended in divorce.
+Mark Birley married [[Lady Annabel Vane-Tempest-Stewart]] in 1954, and they had three children: Rupert, Robin, and India Jane. The couple divorced in 1975. Birley was known for his keen sense of style and was a prominent figure in London's social scene.
-Birley was known for his charm, wit, and impeccable style. He was a prominent figure in London's social scene and maintained friendships with many influential individuals.
+== Legacy ==
+Mark Birley's influence on the London nightlife scene was significant, and his clubs set a standard for exclusivity and elegance. Annabel's remains a symbol of high society and continues to operate as a prestigious venue.
-== Legacy ==
+== Death ==
-Mark Birley's influence on the hospitality industry is enduring. His clubs set a standard for luxury and exclusivity that continues to inspire similar establishments worldwide. Annabel's, in particular, remains a symbol of high society and continues to operate as one of London's most prestigious clubs.
+Mark Birley passed away on 24 August 2007 in London, England, at the age of 77.
-== Also see ==
+== References ==
-* [[Annabel's]]
+* "Mark Birley: Founder of Annabel's," [[The Telegraph]], 25 August 2007.
-* [[Harry's Bar]]
+* "Obituary: Mark Birley," [[The Guardian]], 26 August 2007.
-* [[Mark's Club]]
-* [[Private members' club]]
-* [[Hospitality industry]]
-{{Authority control}}
+== External Links ==
+* [Annabel's Official Website](https://www.annabels.co.uk)
+{{DEFAULTSORT:Birley, Mark}}
 [[Category:1930 births]]
 [[Category:2007 deaths]]
 [[Category:English businesspeople]]
 [[Category:People educated at Eton College]]
-[[Category:Club owners]]
+[[Category:Alumni of University College, Oxford]]
+[[Category:Nightclub owners]]