The Auction Rooms: Where Edinburgh’s Heritage Meets Modern Workspace Design
The Thistle Gallery, a private office suite at the Auction Rooms with space for up to 32 desks.
The Auction Rooms isn’t just another serviced office space in Edinburgh; it’s a place where history, design, and innovation converge to create an inspiring workspace. Originally a Georgian townhouse, the building has been transformed over centuries, carrying a legacy of creativity, thought leadership, and cultural significance. Today, this heritage fosters an unparalleled working atmosphere, offering a unique connection to Edinburgh’s storied past and promoting productivity and collaboration among professionals.
A Building with a Storied Past
Before it became The Auction Rooms, 22 Queen Street was a witness to centuries of history, home to notable figures whose creativity and purpose shaped its character. In the 19th century, Irish engineer William Bindon Blood resided here, known for his inventive spirit and ambitious projects, including the creation of his practical and lightweight 'Dublin tricycle' in 1876. Tricycles, often favored by women and older men, were seen as safer, easier, and more comfortable alternatives to the popular 'high-wheelers' of the time.
Later, the building was home to legal scholar James Lorimer, whose son, Robert Lorimer, would grow into one of Scotland’s celebrated architects, likely sparking his first creative ambitions within these very walls. By the late 1800s, Kenneth Maclay Phin—a respected leader in the Church of Scotland—used the building to manage the Church’s Home Mission Scheme, instilling a sense of purpose that would echo for decades. Then, in the 1920s, the building welcomed Aeneas Francon Williams, a writer and missionary who brought both creative and altruistic pursuits into this space.
Today, these walls continue to inspire, carrying forward a legacy that blends heritage, innovation, and purpose. The Auction Rooms isn’t just a workspace; it’s a place where every corner tells a story, providing a unique and inspiring environment for our members.
Historic Foundations: Stories Woven into Every Corner
From its earliest days as a Georgian townhouse to its more recent history as a celebrated auction house, 22 Queen Street has long been a place where stories, culture, and community come together. The Auction Rooms doesn’t just preserve this legacy – it actively draws inspiration from it, creating a workspace infused with the character and history of Edinburgh. We see our role as stewards of this building, honoring the city’s rich past while offering our members a unique and inspiring environment that connects them to those who came before.
Bonhams, one of the world’s most renowned art dealers and auctioneers, was a defining presence in the building from 2008 to 2023, curating a series of remarkable and record-setting auctions that left an indelible mark on 22 Queen Street. These walls have witnessed historic moments, such as the 2018 sale of the world’s most expensive bottle of whisky at the time: the Macallan Valerio Adami 1926 60-year-old. This iconic bottle, aged in a vat for six decades, fetched an astonishing £848,000, cementing Bonhams’ reputation as a leader in high-value whisky auctions.
May Matthews, Managing Director of Bonhams Scotland, recalls some of the building’s most memorable events. "One of my personal favourites," she shares, "was the sale of two stunning still-life paintings by Scottish artist S.J. Peploe, auctioned on behalf of Amnesty International and sold for a combined £300,500. The funds were donated entirely to support Amnesty’s mission, which made the sale all the more meaningful.”
One of the most memorable events was the auction of the attics and cellars at Dunrobin Castle, family seat of the 25th Earl of Sutherland. Held in 2018, the auction included 416 rare and fascinating items, such as crested dinner services, Victorian pewter ice cream moulds, and even tartanware, sparking fierce bidding among attendees. The sale went on for an impressive 11 hours, with four auctioneers taking turns to bring these treasures under the hammer, ultimately raising £732,528—more than double its pre-sale estimate. This marathon event became legendary in its own right, adding to the lore of 22 Queen Street and its legacy as a venue where history and artistry intersect.
We honor this heritage in our own way, offering members a space where inspiration is drawn from the very walls. The Auction Rooms provides not just premium workspace but a link to Edinburgh’s past, enhancing the experience of our members with an atmosphere that goes beyond conventional office spaces.
Every detail, from the names of our rooms to the Georgian architectural elements, is a nod to those who have passed through these halls – creators, collectors, and changemakers. It’s this sense of history, culture, and purpose that we are committed to preserving, offering our members not just a place to work but a place to connect with Edinburgh’s rich legacy and draw inspiration for their own pursuits.
Designing with Heritage in Mind
At The Auction Rooms, we celebrate the building’s Georgian heritage while incorporating the modern conveniences professionals expect. Original architectural features like high ceilings, intricate cornices, and sash windows with original shutters provide an authentic historical experience.
Even our logo has been designed to represent different elements of the building, such as the arches, pillars and triangular shapes found throughout the building. The lines come together to form the A of “Auction”.
Explanation of the planning behind The Auction Rooms logo, by Nicola McMurray Design Studios.
Each space has a story – and sometimes a bit of mystery. Where else can you book a meeting in rooms named The Jewellery Room, The Gun Room, or The Whisky Room? Every corner of this building speaks to Scotland’s rich heritage, with room names that hint at tales from the past. Legend has it, The Jewellery Room may have once held diamonds, while The Whisky Room, naturally, may have seen some of Scotland’s finest bottles.
These spaces don’t just provide function; they spark curiosity, giving members and their guests a true sense of place. Our members find themselves immersed in an atmosphere that combines modern convenience with a playful nod to Edinburgh’s storied past, offering not only premium workspaces but a memorable experience.
This is what makes The Auction Rooms truly unique – a blend of luxury, history, and local lore that transforms a typical day at the office into something extraordinary.
Complementing these historic elements are contemporary design touches. Each room is furnished with designer furniture, artwork by local artists such as Soosan Danesh and Ruth Thomas, and sophisticated marble flooring, striking a balance between classic elegance and modern luxury. This design approach not only preserves the building’s unique character but also enhances it, creating an environment where members feel inspired, connected, and supported.
Advanced Amenities for Modern Professionals
The Auction Rooms integrates cutting-edge technology to support today’s business needs. Members benefit from keyless Salto entry, adjustable LED lighting, bean-to-cup coffee machines stocked from local roasteries, and state-of-the-art conferencing technology in meeting rooms. These amenities ensure comfort, convenience, and security, enabling professionals to work productively in a space that respects both form and function. Exclusive workshops, wellness events, and networking opportunities bring added vibrancy to this unique setting, fostering a community spirit within its historic walls.
Join a Legacy of Inspiration
Choosing a workspace at The Auction Rooms means becoming part of a legacy that has inspired generations of innovators, thinkers, and creators. From bespoke-furnished private offices to thoughtfully designed meeting rooms, this workspace offers a setting where history and modernity coexist to enhance productivity and collaboration.
Embrace a space where history meets inspiration at every corner and let The Auction Rooms inspire your work.