Monday 6 August 2012

Reflecting on Foxing...

Antique furniture with inset glass and antique glass mirrors can sometimes show signs of their age with a mottled or blotchy effect, often referred to as ‘foxing’ or ‘silvering’.
When in small area’s, close to edges that do not intrude into their main purpose of reflecting an image, this gentle form of ageing can be both charming and authentic.
In its most advanced form of deterioration, this glass is used by film makers to achieve a particular effect in movie making.
If foxing has occurred on a piece of antique furniture with glass, which is a functional piece, in everyday use, it might be preferably to replace the aged mirror with a quality piece of modern glass, as re-silvering restoration by specialist restorers can be time consuming and expensive.
For best cleaning results, on mirrors or glass, use ‘scrim’ cotton gauze cloth. 
For more information, photos and details on how to order mirrors from us, see the listing page on our website here

Saturday 7 July 2012

Rackstraw – The Droitwich Design Dream


GT Rackstraw Ltd, were manufacturers of bespoke & fine period style furniture. Based in Worcestershire they set a high standard for craftsman made furniture across many years. The founder James Rackstraw started making furniture in 1749.
Rackstraw specialized in traditional mahogany, yew and oak furniture. This quality manufacturer produced furniture of excellence including presentation items of exquisite craftsmanship and distinctive high-quality finish.
Pieces rarely come on the market, as they are mostly handed down from one generation to another. Antiques for the future, we have a small selection available on our website for the connoisseur of stylish period reproduction furniture. For more information, photos and details on how to order this item, see the listing on our website here

Friday 6 July 2012

Setting the Standard with Bevan Funnell


After the dark years of war, visionaries moved to introduce a style shift into our culture to allow people to bring colour and aspiration back into their lives. Christian Dior makes the move with clothing, whilst Bevan Funnell made the shift with furniture. It was inspired by antiques, reflecting the security of past times and settled affluence.
Bevan Funnell furniture is the ultimate in quality made furniture and in 1967 & 1970 won the Queens Award to industry. The first furniture manufacturer to win it, and the first winner to earn it twice.
So sought after by the rich, during the mid 1960’s Mr Funnell furnished a full scale 60 ft yacht for use as a showroom around the British Isles and abroad.
This furniture success story continues to this day, and second hand pieces of Bevan Funnell Reprodux can be found on our site. Always coming from good homes where it has been treasured as a beautiful piece of craftsman made furniture. 
For more information, photos and details on how to order this item, see the listing on our website  here

Wednesday 13 June 2012

Ercol Furniture - Timeless Elegance

Ercol founded by Lucian Ercolani perfected the steam bending of wood in large quantities in 1944, using English elm, a wood previously thought impossible to bend.
Ercol furniture was exhibited at the 1951 Festival of Britain.
In 2002 Ercol moved premises, where it began producing furniture from other woods taken from regenerative forests.
The company uses environmentally friendly water based stains and lacquers.
Ercol has received many awards for excellence in the design of furniture. It has a worldwide appeal, with the lighter coloured wood being most favoured by the Japanese market.
For more information, photos and details on how to order this item, see the listing on our website here

Saturday 9 June 2012

Parker Knoll Furniture - Comfort & Tradition

Parker Knoll was originally formed by Fredrick Parker, a British furniture manufacturer and Willi Knoll, a German inventor. 
After serving as a fighter pilot in WWI, Willi Knoll's experience of uncomfortable seating was the inspiration for his invention of a new form of sprung furniture.
Already known for high quality furniture in High Wycombe, when Parker joined forces with Willi Knoll the new venture was quickly successful and the name Parker Knoll has been synonymous with comfort ever since. 
For more information, photos and details on how to order this item, see the listing on our website here

Saturday 14 January 2012

Chinese Year of the Dragon

Bring good luck to 2012 with a dragon carved into your coffee table!

For more information, photos and details on how to order this item, see the listing on our website here.

All Around the World

All around the world, with this lovely illuminated map of the world!
For more information, photos and details on how to order this item, see the listing on our website here.