Once work is complete, the first auction at Lowther Street will be the catalogue sale of Important Antiques and Works of Art on June 2 – which will be filmed by BBC Bristol for the television series Flog It!
The Victorian Gothic-style building was originally part of a wine merchant’s business, and it was during that time in 1867 that the original courtyard was roofed in forming the lantern light roof structure for which the building is listed. Subsequently, the building became the bottling plant for Hope and Bendles who supplied liquor for Carlisle & District State Management Scheme.
For the last 30 years the building has been used as a saleroom, formerly by J. David King FRICS and latterly by H&H King.
“The first phase of the refurbishment will see the construction of a new rostrum and display area, creating a traditional and almost theatrical backdrop to the auction room,” said H&H King director of auctioneering Howard Naylor.
“The design work includes a new reception office and archive room, picture display wall and lighting scheme. The decoration will incorporate cornicing, faux windows and columns and will be decorated in our corporate colour scheme of Regency green and cream.”
Phase two of the refurbishment, which will be carried out in the autumn, will enlarge the saleroom, create a new entrance from Crosby Street and incorporate a display area for lots entered for sale, gallery and facilities for the disabled.
Carlisle rooms restored to Victorian splendour
WORK has started on restoring the Victorian listed building occupied by Cumbria Auction Rooms, in Lowther Street, Carlisle to its former glory. H&H King, the Fine Art, Antiques and Furniture division of the H&H Group, will temporarily be conducting auctions from the old Furniture Hall at Borderway Mart, Rosehill, Carlisle, during the month-long first phase of refurbishment, due to end in the third week of May.
