Rare Chippendale chairs go on show

A RARE opportunity to see three unique chairs made by Thomas Chippendale is being offered to visitors at Warrington Masonic Hall Open Days.
The Masonic chairs are on view as part of Heritage Open Days, which celebrate England’s architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public.
The hall in Winmarleigh Street was purpose-built for Warrington Freemasons in the early 1930s and is a Grade Two Listed Building.
It will be open to the public on September 10, 11 and 13, from 10am to 4pm. There will be guided tours, including the lodge rooms where Masonic meetings take place, and information on Freemasonry will be available.
The three Chippendale chairs are in the small lodge room and are regularly used by Warrington Masonic Lodges. They belong to the Lodge of Lights which has met in Warrington since November 1765.
The lodge’s senior member, Stanley Churm, said the chairs have been in the lodge’s possession for more than 300 years and have been valued by Sotheby’s. They are extremely valuable and irreplaceable, and are decorated with Masonic symbols.
Anyone wanting a guided tour of the hall should telephone Vic Charlesworth on 01925 655416 or the hall 01925 651468 to book an appointment.
Picture shows Stanley Churm (left) and Vic Charlesworth in their Masonic regalia with one of the unique chairs.