ANTIQUE FIREPLACE AT SCULPTURE HOUSE

ADDED 3 MAY 2006

Whilst researching the records of Carters' Knottingley Brewery Co., in preparation for Volume II of the history of the brewery, I recently discovered material concerning the sale of the antique fireplace at Sculpture House, Knottingley, which formed the basis of the article by Roger Ellis in issue 29 of the Digest, January 2006 and the subsequent reply by Mrs B. Daniel in issue 31, March 2006.

At a meeting of the directors of the Company, held at Sheffield on the 30th July 1929, Thomas J. Sides reported that the fireplace at Sculpture House, together with a fireplace and oak panelling at the White Swan Inn, forming part of the same premises, were to be sold.

The Sculpture House fireplace was to be offered to Lord Irwin for £250, he to replace the same with a modern range and make good the damages. Alternatively, Lord Irwin could pay £300 and the Company would replace the fireplace and repair the damage.

In the event of Lord Irwin failing to purchase the whole lot, the goods were to be offered to Mr. Antribus or Mr. Farr [Antique Dealers] for £600, they also to make good the damage.

If neither dealer made a purchase, the Company was to consider advertising in 'The Conniseur' (sic).

It would appear that the plans went awry for at a subsequent meeting held at the same venue on 20th November 1929, Sides reported that the Sculpture House fireplace, together with the panelling from the White Swan, had been sold to a Mr. Greenwood of Harrogate, the sale being approved by the Board of the Brewery Company.

Thus the facts confirm the information of Mrs Daniel who stated that the fireplace was removed from Sculpture House circa 1930.

Dr. Terry Spencer
3 May 2006

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