Yorkshire auctioneers have the X-Factor as studio’s contents go under the hammer

Charterfields, the Sheffield-based auctioneer and valuation specialist, has been appointed to dispose of the contents of Fountain Studios, home to the X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.

Often described as ‘the birthplace of TV talent shows’, the Wembley site the largest fully-equipped TV studios in Europe.

Its closure in December following the finals of the X Factor has brought the curtain down on 90 years of film and television history.

Fountain Studios has been used to make some of the UK’s most popular programmes since the launch of ITV in 1955, from TV classics such as On The Buses, Upstairs Downstairs and Opportunity Knocks to modern family favourites such as Pop Idol, The Cube, The Voice, All Star Mr & Mrs and The Last Leg.

It also hosted the London episode of Friends – ‘The One With Ross’s Wedding’.

Charterfields is disposing of sound and vision equipment, lighting and a range of items associated with a broadcast studio in an online auction from Monday, 30 January to Tuesday, 7 February.

Ian Maycock, director of Charterfields, said: “With links to so many iconic programmes, the closure of Fountain Studios marks an end of era of British television.  Since being instructed to dispose of the assets we have seen interest from production companies throughout Europe as this is a rare opportunity to acquire contents of a premium broadcast facility.”