Spectacular Viking throne the centrepiece of shop opening in York

Want to feel like royalty?

Well, head down to Asgard on Little Stonegate, where you can try out a spectacular Viking throne for size.

The wooden throne was specially created for the new shop by Tockwith-based Stage One – perhaps best known for creating the Olympic Cauldron for London 2012.

It was designed by the owner of Asgard, Jim Glazzard, as the centrepiece of his Viking-themed store, which opens at noon today (Friday, 26 July).

Viking enthusiasts, tourists and locals alike are invited to come along and take a selfie on the new Norse throne.

Dream to reality

Jim had the idea for the throne some time ago.

But he was too busy with his online store and undertaking a post-graduate degree at the University of York to build it himself. He said:

• I’ve seen Stage One’s work and know that they have a superb reputation for creating items that are beautiful and durable, so have been working with two of their apprentices to turn the dream into reality.
  

The shop is next door to the Art of Protest gallery, and sells “hand-crafted yet affordable pewter jewellery, clothing and re-enactor essentials with a Norse, Anglo-Saxon and Celtic theme”.

Jim says they were based in Scotland for 15 years but knew York very well.

“People travel from all over the world to embrace York’s heritage and culture, and we want to be part of that journey, providing visitors with a souvenir that will genuinely last many lifetimes,” he said.

Tim Leigh of Stage One said making the throne was a fascinating challenge.

“Using cutting edge equipment to replicate hand-carved furniture is a really interesting approach,” he said.

“That’s the joy of innovation and having a digital manufacturing business with very creative clients.”