Make do and mend your home with architectural salvage

For years architectural salvage was reserved for the eccentric and the expert - those with an eye for the hidden value of fixtures and fittings ripped from the carcasses of demolished or gutted properties. But today, as modern builds lacking the charm and character of period properties saturate the market, and as an increasingly stoic wartime mentality of ‘make do and mend’ kicks into every aspect of our recession-occupied lifestyles, architectural salvage is enjoying a new popularity.

So with this in mind, and to help you get started on the hunt for architectural salvage items for your home, this handy check-list should help.

Consider the setting before committing to installing any major piece of architectural salvage. Victorian flooring may be beautiful, but in the wrong home it could look very out of place. Think carefully about the overall look you want to achieve, and plan meticulously the items you are looking for. As with any interiors overhaul, creating a mood board or concept map of your ideal outcome is highly recommended and will give you a good idea of what to look for when you visit salvage yards.

If you are unsure of what you want to add to your home, it’s worthwhile to visit salvage yards or workshops to see what is available and to compare prices. Most salvage experts are only too happy to offer you advice and recommendations.

‘Don’t overdo the salvage,’ advises Adam. ‘Think carefully about where everything will go, or your home could end up looking like a scrap-yard! A few good pieces such as flooring or fireplaces, are better than a lot of clutter.’

Check the salvage seller has signed up to the Salvo Code. ‘The Salvo Code aims to give customers greater confidence, in particular that items which they buy have not been stolen or removed from protected historic buildings without permission,’ advises Ruby Kay from Salvo Llp. The Salvo Code lets you know that you are buying from a safe and responsible source. You will still need to be vigilant about pricing. Think carefully about the price of an item you want to buy, and check if it is worth it or if you can get the same or similar item for a more reasonable price elsewhere.

Be prepared to see the potential of items in salvage yards. Not everything is displayed in showroom fashion; many pieces will be stacked up or in need of a good clean. Having a good rummage and seeing beyond the muddle and grime will help you uncover hidden treasures!

Take photographs (ask the seller’s permission first), measure up, and take notes. These will help you make a sensible decision.

Unless you have some architectural or interiors knowledge, if you are looking for actual structural salvage features such as beams, pillars, staircases, bricks, and so forth, it’s important to seek expert opinion before buying, and to ensure you are fully able to install these features safely and professionally.


Queens of Vintage

Retrouvius

Repurposed rain gutters

It might come as a surprise to you that old gutters can hold enough dirt to grow vegtables. This gutter garden shows a great use for salvaged gutters and looks really attractive against the house.


New World Geek

Rural & Domestic Bygones

Gaze Auction Rooms, Diss Norfolk
2 May 2009, 1132 lots


Above: A 'Glico Oils' motor oil tin. Sold £55



Above: A wrought iron bottle drier. Sold £60



Above: A baker's hand cart. Sold £140



Above: A G.R pillar post box, with keys. Sold £900



Above: A pine apple store with plaque supplied by 'Stebbings & Sons, Attleborough'. Sold £260



Above: A wooden wheel and hopper push seed drill. Sold £20



Above: A three tine hay fork made from a single piece of wood. Sold £70


Gaze

Salvo Fair 09: 4 page Period Living article

Written by Caroline Wheater with snippets from Simon Kirby from Thomas Crapper, aka Mr unusual uni/bi/tricycle owner, Robin Cook from Lighthouse Emporium, Guy Trench from Antiques By Design, Maud Lomberg from Beyond France and Mark Morris from Morris Interiors. Read all about it in Period Living's June issue, out now!

www.salvo-fair.com

Blacksmith David Capes dies

Norfolk UK - DAVID Capes, the Norfolk blacksmith, was killed in a road accident with a car whilst riding his black Honda VT Shadow early on the morning of Sunday 19th April 2009 at Hockering, Norfolk. He was 60.

Born in Heveringham, Norfolk, David trained as a farrier under Jack Barber of Heydon. He was an active member of the British Artist Blacksmiths Association for twenty years, during which time he was their chairman. For several years he worked for Sam Coster of Mongers. Sam said, "David was one of those rare breed of craftspeople for whom even the most humble never became mundane, he put as much of his skill and character into every coat hook as he did into a large commission for a pair of gates. His latches, hinges, handles and curtain poles were wonderful, each an expression of the blacksmith's art. He was a unique and generous character and all of us will miss him greatly."

David was keen on country sports, and would spend much of the shooting season beating and running his dogs. He helped young people wanting to train as blacksmiths. David did demonstrations at fairs and country shows, including The Royal Norfolk Show for many years. He came with Mongers to Salvo Fair 2006 bringing a hand forge which was constantly in operation despite the blistering heat (see photo).

He leaves his wife, Sue, two children, Verity and Marcus, and two grandchildren.

The funeral will be at St. Faiths Crenatorium, Manor Road, Horsham St Faiths, Norwich. NR10 3LF at 12 noon, Monday 11th May followed by a wake at The Fox and Hounds, Lyng, Norfolk NR9 5AL



Please feel free to post a comment (click the link below).

300 year old, one ton, reclaimed German oak waterwheel shaft coming to Salvo Fair

Above: This 300 yr old oak waterwheel shaft will be for sale at Salvo Fair. It is currently at Thomas Knapp Historiche in Germany priced at €3,800.





Thomas Knapp Historiche are exhibiting at Salvo Fair for the first time this year and are planning to bring along a HUGE piece of oak. The beam came from Kirchzarten in the Black Forest. It was the shaft of an old waterwheel which was deconstructed a few years ago. The tree trunk was probably first used more than 300 years and the tree was about 250-300 years old when it was felled. So it began life whilst Germany was midway through Roman occupation.

It is 300 cm (118ins) long and the diameter is 70 cm (27.5ins), volume is 1.155 mcb (more than 40 cubicfeet) and weighs more than 900kg.

And what could someone do with it now? Thomas suggests 'First, I think, it would work as an advertising column in the foyer of a restaurant or a park.... Or maybe, a carpenter needs a very big beam for restoring a timber house. Perhaps someone could design a garden house with the oak as the central beam in the middle of the house. And of course you could always use it as a waterwheel again!'

Site

Antique Garden Furniture Show

Antique Garden Furniture Show
The New York Botanical Garden, May 1 - 3 2009 10am - 5pm
In the End A. Haupt Conservatory Tent


Above: photo by John Peden 2008 AGF


America’s most celebrated garden antiques show returns for a 17th year. During the three-day event, more than 30 of the country’s leading dealers offer their finest quality pieces, including fountains, statues, benches, urns, sundials, birdbaths, and botanical prints.

Throughout the weekend, antiques experts and designers provide informative demonstrations and talks. Guest speakers include 'Eclecticism in the Garden' with Judith Milne of Judith and James Milne, 'In the Garden with Cleopatra, Josephine and Barbie' with Show Director Catherine Sweeney Singer and 'Appropriate Ornament for Your Garden' with Barbara Israel of Barbara Israel Garden Antiques.


Antique Garden Furniture Show and Sale

Judith & James Milne

Barbara Israel Garden Antiques