It was the studio in Beckington where Tears for Fears recorded their classic Songs from The Big Chair and The Smiths made their final album, but now the last equipment from the famous Wool Hall studio is about to be sold at auction.
Gardiner Houlgate, specialist auctioneers in Corsham have been selected to sell off the mixing desk, speakers and other items from the studio before it is redeveloped as residential properties.
During its 20-year working history, a string of well-known artists used the studio in Beckington, including The Pretenders, Paul Weller, Stereophonics, Joni Mitchell, Annie Lennox and Sisters of Mercy.
The Smiths’ last photo shoot also took place outside the studio while recording Strangeways, Here We Come in 1987. Guitarist Johnny Marr left the band soon after recording was completed.
The studio, built in a 16th century wool store, was originally founded by then Bath-based Tears for Fears as their private facility, but was opened for the use of other musicians in 1986. It was sold to Van Morrison in 1994, who subsequently sold it to a private owner in 2002.
Auctioneer Luke Hobbs said, “Wool Hall’s not been used as an active studio for some years, but its still a shame to see it go. There’s been some terrific music made there, much of which is still relevant today.
“The studio was one of the West Country’s best-kept musical secrets. Very few people knew it existed, including me – and I was in a band in the area.”
The equipment will be auctioned by Gardiner Houlgate at their specialist guitar auction on Thursday 8th March. It includes: · Euphonix CS3000 mixing console · Pair of Boxer T5 speakers · The studio’s snooker table, used by many artists
Other lots in the 8th March sale include: · Guild acoustic guitar owned by Eric Clapton from 1978–1999, expected to fetch £7,000–£10,000. · black 1990 Rickenbacker 660/12 signed on the scratchplate by the late Tom Petty. The guitar was donated by Petty to a charity auction in Scotland in the 1980s. · vinyl album sleeve for Axis Bold As Love signed by its creator Jimi Hendrix with the exhortation ‘Be groovy’. · Gibson Les Paul studio signed by all members of rock band Kasabian
The auction will take place at Gardiner Houlgate, 9 Leafield Way, Corsham, Wiltshire, SN13 9SW on Thursday 8th March from 11am. Viewings of the Wool Hall studio will be by appointment.
For more information contact Luke Hobbs or Jamie South 01225 812912 or by email at auctions@gardinerhoulgate.co.uk.