Antique jewellers unveil new shop following major restoration
Jewellery business Banwells has unveiled its new Sidmouth premises – demonstrating its commitment to supporting and contributing to a thriving town centre.
Banwells owners, Simon and Sally Vickers have completed the nine-month refurbishment of the one of the town’s most iconic buildings – County House, a grand three-storey Edwardian property in the centre of Sidmouth, which had fallen into disrepair.
As well as restoring the building to its former glory they have reinstated its original use as a jeweller. Records show the property has been home to silversmiths and jewellers for more than 120 years.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the new shop was performed by Eddie Collard, who managed a jewellery business from County House from 1969 to 2010. He also presented Simon and Sally with the very first coins used to purchase goods when the building originally opened in 1902 with the Truscott family jewellery business.
County House, on New Street, is distinctive for its elegant black and gold façade, which was a feature, along with the curved glass windows, that the couple were determined to reinstate, along with preserving and restoring as many original period details as possible.
Simon said: “We’re delighted to have completed this project and brought County House back to life. It’s a really important part of the town’s heritage and we’re pleased to have played a part in restoring it for the future.”
The classic interior has been carefully revived, including the original marble floor entrance and elegant glazed wooden doors, which now provide a stylish welcome to customers. The restoration work was led by Alex Graves-Morris of the Gentleman Builders, who were the main contractors. Alex’s team repointed the entire external brickwork of the three-storey building and replaced the distinctive curved windows, as well as carrying out extensive restoration work throughout. New lighting has come from Exeter Antique Lighting Company and James Wriggle Joinery created bespoke windows for the project.
In December the couple relocated their entire shop from Old Fore Street, just around the corner, into their new home.
Simon said: “Sidmouth is a really busy, thriving town and we’re pleased to contribute to the strength and future of the town centre through the completion of this project. We’ve had so many positive comments, and it’s been wonderful to welcome both new and familiar faces to our new shop.”
A significant new addition to showcasing its exceptional collection of antique, contemporary and estate jewellery, is an in-house jeweller, offering expert repair services on-site.
Sally added: “Through the completion of this project we have demonstrated our commitment to the town centre. We have created a destination jewellers, where independent retail and architectural heritage come together to create an amazing experience for our customers.”
Local historian Margaret Taylor, who has researched much of the town, welcomed the restoration of the building. She said: “Simon and Sally have restored the charm of this large Edwardian building; County House. It has remained a prestigious jewellery business since the early 1900s, and this will continue with the new ownership, restoring the charm of historic New Street.”
https://www.banwellantiques.com/
