Management & History

History

Between the 16th and 17th century and since the destruction of the medieval suburbs in the 16th century, the city of Geneva was a random and chaotic.

From the 18th century, a growing economy allows big landowners to purchase several plots to build larger houses. On the right bank of the lake, a village develops between the current paths of the rue de Lausanne and the Rue des Pâquis.

The main urban transformations occurred in the mid-19th century as a law allowed the demolition of the fortifications of the city and it got voted in the Constitution. The dream of a modern city could be shaped.

Many parts of the city land were sold to private owners and the money went to the City and the State, their development had been already the subject of the plans designed by the Polish engineer Leopold Blotnitzki Stanislas (1817-1879), and this plan was approved in 1858 by the State Council. This famous plan served as a model for new neighborhoods built in all Geneva including Les Paquis.

In this context, in 1857, a Geneva lockmaker bought the parcel of 6 and 8-philippe Plantamour Street to make his own home, and it became the oldest house in Les paquis. Later the building was annexed to the Richemont Hotel and served as offices for the Management Team and kitchens for the catering section.
And you know the rest of the story…

Simon Wedgwood was born in Dublin, Ireland – but he was destined for a life far beyond the confines of his birthplace.

Simon's father and grandfather were highly successful merchants who ran their business from a number of commercial properties. Following the sudden death of his father, Simon’s mother took the bold step of moving to Lausanne with her four children, before eventually settling in Geneva. With his rebellious attitude and lack of interest in commerce and business, Simon refused to follow in his father’s footsteps when it came to choosing a career. He started out teaching English, but soon found work in a bookshop specializing in art, theater, and law. Over the years, he became increasingly active in theatrical and literary circles and played a major role in establishing and promoting art and culture in the city of Geneva.

Once he realized he could make a decent living as an actor, he vowed to marry his sweetheart, Berta Keeni, who came from a famous family of physicians.

The couple took the opportunity to tie the knot while her father, who disapproved of their relationship, was away for the weekend. The newly married couple settled down in Rue Philippe-Plantamour 6 in Geneva – the very same building that now houses the Swiss Luxury Apartments.

Simon was becoming more and more famous as an avant-garde actor, and eventually he decided to devote himself to acting full-time. He combined this with a lively social life which brought him into contact with the city’s most eminent literary figures. During this time, Simon began suffering increasing problems with his eyes, and he was often seen out and about wearing an eye patch.

After his death, the city council placed a plaque on the building in memory of Simon Wedgwood. His remarkable contributions to the literary and arts scene in Geneva will never be forgotten.