Nostalgiac photo exhibition celebrates Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong's 50th anniversary

A newspaper print ad for the grand opening of the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong in 1963.

An overview of Central district in 1963. The Mandarin used to have prime harbour-front views.

The Mandarin nears completion in 1963.

The Mandarin's junk took guests on tours of the Victoria Harbour (1963).

View along Connaught Road – 1963

The Mandarin's fleet of cars with the background of the construction of Norman Forster's HBCS HQ

The staff of The Mandarin gathered on the roof of the hotel for a group photo in 1963.

Three young pageboys, in the traditional uniform of button-topped hats and white gloves, collect mail from home at the Front Desk.

In The Captain’s Bar, the distinctive chess board screens still remain in use. (1960s)

An extensive wine collection can be found at the Mandarin Grill.

International recording star Eartha Kitt performed at The Harbour Room on the 25th floor of The Mandarin in 1973.

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong has always been associated with fashion and lifestyle. This was one of the first fashion shows, by Christian Dior, held in the hotel in the1960s.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, is greeted by General Manager Jürg Tüscher upon arrival at The Mandarin in 1987.

From left: Tony Ross (first GM of the hotel), Don Ashton (interior designer) and others review designs for The Mandarin. (1960s)

The Mandarin’s rooftop swimming pool was a fashionable rendezvous under the open skies.

The Mandarin Lobby looking towards the Clipper Lounge. The furniture was chic and contemporary for its time. (1960s)

International designer Don Ashton (second from right) was the inspiration for the interiors of The Mandarin. Don was Set Director for such films as “Bridge Over the River Kwai”, “Indiscreet” and “Billy Budd” – and it was from this last film that he transported to Hong Kong the clipper ship’s golden figurehead that still stands guard in what he named the Clipper Lounge. Gerard D’A Henderson (fifth from right) was the artist responsible for the murals in the Lobby, and outside and inside the Mandarin Grill + Bar.

The topping-out ceremony of the rooftop of the hotel in 1963, with the first GM Tony Ross, the taipan of Jardine Matheson, Hugh Barton, and Harold Lee, chairman of the Legislative Council.