The Old Curiosity Shop Gets New Life
By Ava Waugh
The Old Curiosity Shop is undergoing a heritage restoration project this semester at the LSE.
The Beaver has reached out to the LSE Estates Division to understand more about the renovations. LSE Estates commented, ‘‘The Old Curiosity Shop was purchased by the School in 2017. When we acquired the property, it was tenanted and was vacated during the pandemic by the inherited tenant.’’
They further explained, ‘‘One of the reasons for acquiring it was to protect it during the construction of the Marshall Building (as it was in a poor state of repair) and to integrate it into LSE’s university quarter, especially with the pedestrianisation of Portsmouth St in 2020.” The renovations are said to include “essential repairs to the external envelope of the shop including a new roof.’’
Built in 1567, the shop is the oldest building on campus and is said to be the oldest shop in London still standing today, surviving the Great Fire of London in 1666 and the Blitz in 1940-41. Today, it is a heritage asset and a Listed Grade II* building. During the renovations, Sykes and Sons Limited, who are currently working with Dolmen Conservation & Joinery on the restoration project, discovered some unique artefacts through the renovations.
When asked how long the renovations may take, LSE Estates stated commented, ‘‘Completion is expected Winter 2022-23.’’
Lastly, regarding their intended use of the Shop, LSE Estates expressed to The Beaver, “[W]e want to ensure it positively contributes to the life of the university quarter and we intend to bring it back into active use. We will be inviting expressions of interest for the space in the new year.”
