An industrial aesthetic

The clean lines of 20th century industrial furniture works well with contemporary interiors. Most of this sort of furniture that we come across dates from the inter- and post-war periods.

We were therefore excited to find these two early examples of draughtsman's chairs from a West Country printworks, which date from around 1910.

 

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They swivel and have a rise-and-fall mechanisms, as well has having an adjustable back rest. The beautifully mellowed oak and ash frames with steel fittings give them a true 'vintage' look.

Made from heavy, pressed steel, these World War II ammunition boxes have well outlived their original contents.

 

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We have applied a clear wax to them to accentuate their lovely patination and original stencilled specifications. Some are dated to 1943.
 

This old oak gymnasium stool makes a unique piece of furniture. Dating from the 1930's, it shows some signs of wear and tear, including a few scorch marks - perhaps some cold young scholar has sat on it too near to the stove...

 

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We always look out for vintage shop fittings from all eras on our travels. They make very stylish display cabinets for the home or for small shops and retail outlets.

This one probably dates from the 1960's, and is a really simply designed, practical counter display unit. It is open-backed, with three glass shelves and an oak base.

 

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The 1930's really was the age for elegant travel. This lovely aluminium suitcase with perfectly stitched leather handle looks like it ought to be gathered up with Agatha Christie's luggage for the Orient Express....

 

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Industrial style pieces always look even better when contrasted with something a little more decorative. When we source our stock, we also make a point to look out for decorative and unusual items to dress them with.

This vintage glass shop display head will look great in one of the cabinets we have for sale.

 

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We do of course often end up back with our pet subject - natural history. This cast resin table lamp dates from the late 60's/early 70's, and encases a perfect rockpool of shells, crabs, starfish, and seaweed. Magical!

 

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The Power of Patina

Patina - much sought after, impossible to reproduce.

We like our furniture to show evidence of its former lives. Frankly, the more flaky and battered that paintwork is, the better! Interior design fashions and tastes change, a much-loved piece of furniture is perhaps re-purposed and repainted - all this is reflected in these layers of paint. We like to preserve this history where we can, in most cases resisting a repaint and instead sealing the surface with a simple clear wax.

We are naturally drawn to country pine furniture retaining remnants of its original layers of external paintwork. This lovely two-door pine cupboard dates from around 1840, and appears to have had only three coats of paint over its 170 year lifetime.

 

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We have repainted the interior 'Duck-Egg Blue' to compliment the pale cream exterior. The three deep shelves would be ideal for storing bed-linen or towels.

 

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This elegant floor-standing pine cupboard retains not only some of its original external paint, but some internal as well. For such a basic and functional piece of furniture, this cupboard is beautifully proportioned.

 

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This glazed cabinet pine dresser, dating from around 1900, was found in an old barn in Cornwall where it had been relegated to the position of 'paint tin/tool storage cabinet' by its owner.

 

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We wanted to retain the fantastic original external paint, and it's 'distressed' state! We have given it a new lease of life with an interior repaint in delicious 'Georgian Green' and a simple wax to the exterior.

 

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This early 19thC West Country kitchen dresser, c.1820, retains its original 'scumbled' paintwork finish, a popular technique employed during this period to mimic the woodgrain of more expensive, better quality wood, such as oak or walnut.

 

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This large, 19th century pine cupboard is one of best, and largest, we've found. Needless to say, it has already sold, after only a month on the sales floor. A prime example of the power of patina!