A FORMER printer’s shop in Richmond is to feature at an auction after a local architectural illustrator painted a picture of the frontage.

The listed building, J H Broad & Co, in King Street, is in poor condition and has been vacant for a long period of time.

It is an early 18th century three-storey house with an early to mid 19th century shop front and this painting could enhance the building and draw attention to the need to renovate it.

The Environment Trust of Richmond upon Thames asked Howard Vie of Ashburnham Road to take on the task of the painting as he has previously worked for the council conservation studies.

Jenny Pearce, on behalf of the Environment Trust, said: "We wanted to expand the range of paintings.

"Howard Vie would be the ideal person to ask whether he would be prepared to do pictures for the auction."

Mr Vie said: "I really enjoyed doing this. I am interested in conservation in Richmond generally.

"It’s a lovely building I hope somehow it can be brought back into use but it is a bit of a planning stalemate at the moment.

"It could be brought back into beneficial use as it is a part of Richmond’s history."

The auction takes place on Thursday November 6 at York House in Twickenham. Viewing begins at 6.30pm and the auction begins at 7.30pm. There will be a total of 40 pictures.