Mackies prepares to close in Lancaster

A Lancaster designer is shutting up shop just weeks after unveiling the city’s iconic rocking horse shop sign.
Mackies on Dalton Square in Lancaster will close in DecemberMackies on Dalton Square in Lancaster will close in December
Mackies on Dalton Square in Lancaster will close in December

Designer James Mackie was praised for his tireless work for restoring the rocking horse which hangs above Wibbly Wobbly Burger on New Street.

Now James has announced after 15 years he and wife Christine Mackie, a TV actress, will close Mackies on Dalton Square.

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James explains various other interests and age has been a factor for the couple to close their doors.

James Mackie proprietor of Mackies of Lancaster.James Mackie proprietor of Mackies of Lancaster.
James Mackie proprietor of Mackies of Lancaster.

However the designer insists the closure is not the end and will continue to thrive his passions into the city.

James said: “We have both got lots of other interests that we want to follow.

“We are very creative people and it makes sense for us, we don’t want to take the shop into our old age.

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“We are still very much committed to Lancaster and I am a member of various boards in Lancaster that is about development and training to help it fill its potential.”

Back in 2000 when James first decided to take his passion for design to the high street, No 20 Dalton Square was a tanning salon nearing the end of its lease.

With initial investment from some friends who had faith in the project the husband and wife team, along with staff Sarah Mason, Larry Barcas, Kyra McDaid and John Elles, built a nationally recognised interior business with a wide range of clients in both the domestic and commercial sectors.

Christine Mackie said: “This year we have been very fortunate. We have just finished a second grand design for Kevin Roberts, chairman of Saatchi and Saatchi, and we are about to finish two more very special,large scale projects.”

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The shop will close on December 19 and new tenants are coming in to refurbish and open a different kind of business at the end of March 2016.

James will continue to explore his creativity through more restoration projects, his band Get Carter and his specialist painting and gilding skills.

He said: “Of course we really want to say thank you to all our customers and staff.

“We are pleased to say Lancaster will still be able to have access to Farrow and Ball paint and our beautiful fabrics and wallpapers at Mawson’s on Common Garden Street next year.”