Because it was owned by a German firm , the hall was seized as enemy property during World War I. The hall with over 130 pianos was sold at an auction to Debenhams for a very small amount of money , and was re-opened as Wigmore Hall in 1917 . Because of its German ownership , the hall was seized as enemy property during World War I. The hall with over 130 pianos was sold at an auction to Debenhams for a fraction of its value and was re-opened as Wigmore Hall in 1917 .