Hotel Bemelmans

Ludwig Bemelmans (1898-1962) wrote and illustrated over 40 books. Born in the Austrian Tyrol, he was sent to America at the age of 16 after he shot a head-waiter at his uncle's hotel. He arrived in New York sporting pistols to fend off Indians. In addition to his books he wrote for Hollywood, owned restaurants, designed sets for Broadway and painted everything from magazine covers to hotel frescos. A legendary traveller and bon vivant, he asked to have "Tell Them It Was Wonderful" carved on his gravestone.