For many years now, a few devoted individuals have been collecting and restoring all kinds of architectural features. Things like tiles, chimney pots, windows, lighting, bath tubs and sinks. Now this trend has taken off, and everyone wants a chance to recycle something beautiful and unique.
Salvage is a wonderful way to preserve beautiful things that may have otherwise been relegated to the tip. But how do you find this rare treasure without digging out the tiles on an old building yourself?
Why Salvage?
Salvage is popular for a number of reasons, including environmental concerns.
From an interior design perspective, you can find some real gems. Hunting out unique, one-off items often made using materials not available now almost becomes a sport. It can be quite addictive reclaiming items with that time-worn charm and character you won’t find anywhere else. These items have history, they tell a story and they bring it to life in your home.
Sourcing Salvage
As with any kind of recycling or upcycling project, if you choose to do it yourself, it can be hard work. Sourcing the right kind of salvage for your home takes time and patience, but the payoff is worth it. Keep an eagle eye on online shops, reclamation yards, flea markets and even eBay for goods. I have a few favourite sources – places that I can always count on to deliver something incredible:
Retrouvius Reclamation and Design – based in London this small but excellent salvage warehouse has been operating for more than 20 years. It’s run by architects and design enthusiasts with an excellent eye for quality and quirky.
Bert and May (bertandmay.com) – another London based company, Bert and May specialise in flooring, and boast the largest selection of reclaimed wood and tiles in the capital (they also have a great range of new tiles, designed in-house).
Designoza – A purely online retailer of authentic, original and (if necessary) restored furniture. Their selection of furniture and accessories span the breadth of the 20th century and include things like Art Deco drinks cabinets and post-war bakelite lamps.
Locally to Bath there are car boot sales, furniture and vintage fairs, house clearances, auctions and antique shops worth checking out. Just outside Bath, there’s Wells Reclamation; the oldest yard of its kind in the UK. Frome Reclamation is another must-visit as is Bristol’s brilliant yard in Southville.
