THEN: Many people will have driven past this building in Castle Street going through Worcester city centre and noticed the distinctive clock tower.

(Image: Google Street View) This was taken in 2008 when County Furnishings was based in Austin House, an Art Deco-style building completed in 1939.

It was designed by London architect John C S Soutar for Lord Herbert Austin, founder of the famous Austin Motors which later became part of British Leyland and the Rover group.

Over the years it was used by various car companies, including H A Saunders, Mann Egerton and Rover.

It stands on the site of the old county jail.

NOW: The same location in 2024 with the listed building maintained as the University of Worcester’s The Art House.

(Image: Newsquest) The university bought it after the County Furnishings shop closed in 2015 with the building remaining empty until 2017 when clearance work started.

After renovation it is now a flexible space with an open studio, workshop and exhibition room for students and the community.