Items from legendary London restaurant hit the auction block
25 July 2023 An auction of furnishings from the historic London restaurant Simpson's in the Strand takes place early next month.
Among the pieces of furniture at the Simpson's in the Strand auction is this bespoke Robert Angell timber seating bench. It is upholstered in striking red leather and the oak frame is carved in the form of a knight chess piece – a nod to Simpson’s history as being the most important venue for chess in Britain during the 19th century. View the catalogue entry for this Robert Angell bench.
Simpson's in the Strand, part of the Savoy Buildings which also houses the eponymous hotel, dates back to 1828 and has served traditional English dishes to the great and good for almost 200 years. Famous guests include Charles Dickens and George Lyttelton, while it has also hosted the Prime Ministers William Gladstone, Benjamin Disraeli and Winston Churchill, the latter whose favourite table was next to the fireplace at the far end of the restaurant.
After renovation in 2017, Simpsons closed in 2020 during the Covid lockdown and has yet to reopen. The owners intend to announce a reopening date in 2024.
In the meantime they are giving patrons ‘the opportunity to acquire a curated list of furnishings and artefacts that have decorated the historical site’. The auction that takes place on August 2-3 is being run by Pro Auction Limited and will include 2292 lots in all.
A range of furniture, lighting, serving dishes, crockery and decorations are on offer. Here we pick out five lots that caught our eye.
1. Meat carving trolley
The Simpson's in the Strand sale features a group of silver meat carving trolleys, all offered as separate lots. This one has a silver plated lid and mahogany baluster frame with brass caster wheels. View the catalogue entry for this meat carving trolley.
2. Leather bar stool
As well as its restaurant, Simpson's in the Strand also had a famous bar. Among the items on offer at the upcoming auction is his leather club bar stool with a stainless steel footrest. View the catalogue entry for this leather bar stool.
3. Georgian style fire grate
This Georgian style polished brass fire grate features engraved legs, urn finials and bowed steel front bars with cast iron fireback behind. View the catalogue entry for this Georgian style fire grate.
4. Art deco style mirror
The Simpson's in the Strand sale features a large number of mirrors. Among them is the Art Deco style frameless wall mounted mirror measuring 100 x 180cm. View the catalogue entry for this Art Deco style mirror.
5. ‘Chess’ themed bench
Among the pieces of furniture at the Simpson's in the Strand auction is this bespoke Robert Angell timber seating bench. It is upholstered in striking red leather and the oak frame is carved in the form of a knight chess piece – a nod to Simpson’s history as being the most important venue for chess in Britain during the 19th century. View the catalogue entry for this Robert Angell bench.
View and search all the lots from the Simpson's in the Strand auction.
