Artists International Recording, the famed studio founded by Beatles producer Sir George Martin, has been sold. The Hampstead, London-based landmark, co-owned by Martin’s Pioneer GB Limited and The Chrysalis Group, has been purchased by AIR Holdings, a new company formed by Strongroom owner Richard Boote.
Boote, whose Strongroom is one of Europe’s leading audio and post-production studios, plans to keep both facilities active, maintaining each according to their core strengths. The integration of the two facilities will provide Strongroom’s clientele with access to Lyndhurst Hall’s spacious orchestral recording facilities, while allowing AIR’s post clients to work with Strongroom’s online and online HD post facilities.
Considered one of London’s and the world’s most high profile recording facilities, AIR Studios began life in 1969, when George Martin left EMI to establish his own independent recording complex in central London. AIR opened another facility on the island of Montserrat in the mid-1970s, but closed that studio in 1989 when Hurricane Hugo ravaged the island. In 1991 AIR’s operations were moved to Lyndhurst Hall, a converted Victorian church and historical landmark in London’s Hampstead district.
AIR Lyndhurst’s studios have hosted a near-endless roster of artists including Paul McCartney, George Harrison, U2, Coldplay, Robbie Williams and countless others.
Pioneer and Chrysalis will each receive £ 1.65 million for their share of the property, as well as a guarantee of additional monies if the studio is sold again within three years. Martin, who celebrated his 80th birthday in January, plans to gradually withdraw his involvement with the studios over the course of the year.
For more information www.airstudios.com and www.strongroom.net
