The first auction for memorabilia from Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 1 is to take place on April 21, 2018. The auction provides airport enthusiasts with the chance to bid on more than 200 items, ranging from signage to furniture.
Terminal 1 opened in 1968 and was formally dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II in April 1969. It was at the time the biggest short-haul terminal in Western Europe and was once Europe’s busiest, handling nine million passengers per year.
A new pier was added in the 1990s, which increased the capacity of the terminal and allowed the hub to cater for wide-body aircraft. In 2005, a substantial redesign and redevelopment of Terminal 1 was completed, which saw the opening of the new Eastern Extension and doubled the size of the departure lounge, creating additional seating and retail space. It was closed in June 2015 as part of the hub’s upgrade plans.
The sale of assets will span multiple auctions and private treaty sales. CA Global Partners, specialists in the disposal of assets for wholesale and industrial clients, is masterminding the sale.
Daniel Gray, managing partner of CA Global Partners Europe, said, “As well as the stunning art by Stefan Knapp, some of the signage in Terminal 1 is iconic and bound to attract interest from collectors. Some of the contents has significant historic value and there may even be elements of the furnishing that would appeal to nightclubs or other entertainment venues. We anticipate a broad range of interest.
“Not only does this represent a rare opportunity for a young airport to fully equip a new terminal, but many of the items in this sale could be refurbished or repurposed for a variety of uses in other industries – let alone some of the historical value to many of the items.”
The auction will be held in the Aviation Suite overlooking the Heathrow runway at the Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 Hotel from 11am on April 21. A selection of lots will be available for inspection from 1pm on April 20 and on the morning of the sale at the venue.
Lots includes 110 check-in desks with scales and baggage belts, over 1,200 seating units and the iconic external Terminal 1 sign.
