British Grove Studios was built by David Stewart, the studio's former manager, and commissioned by Knopfler as "a monument to past and future technology".[1] It has two studios. Alongside modern technology, the equipment includes two old EMImixing consoles: a very rare tube desk from the 1960s like the ones used by George Martin and The Beatles, and a later console on which the album Band on the Run was recorded.[1] The large console in studio one is a custom-made Neve 88R, while the console in studio two is an API Legacy. The main speakers are ATC monitors in a 5.1 configuration.[2] Specifically, the full-range models are ATC SCM 300ASL (300A) mounted in standard left-center-right configuration, with two more 300As on a unique track system for surround. Dual ATC SCM0.1/15ASL PRO (Sub 1/15) subwoofers alongside the left and right mains provide the LFE monitoring.
Together, David Stewart and Dave Harries set up 'British Grove Studios' in the early 2000's for Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits. As cited in 'The Chiswick Calendar',[8] "David Stewart knew Mark through his wife Robyn, who was Mark’s PA. He introduced Mark to Dave Harries with whom he had been working for ten years already at that point, and the two of them set about scouring west London in 2000 – 2001 looking for suitable properties." They decided upon the property in Chiswick largely because of its size and proximity to Heathrow airport, convenient for the numerous American artists travelling to record at the studio. Upon its completion, Stewart made the natural progression (having overseen the project from the outset) of becoming 'Studio Manager'.
On 9 April 2020, Stewart died of complications from COVID-19. In a statement, Knopfler said, "I am very sad to announce the loss of our dear friend David Stewart, our studio Manager. David will be sorely missed, not only by everyone at British Grove but also by everybody who knew him. Our hearts go out to our beloved Robyn and their two sons Jake and Tommy".[9]
References
^ abClark, Rick (1 May 2005). "Mark Knopfler". Mix Online. Archived from the original on 29 March 2013. Retrieved 19 November 2012.