Neon workshop

I managed to sneak away last month to a town called Wakefield, a very interesting place with some lovely architecture and genuine warm people. Wakefield on a Thursday, Fri and Sat night becomes a mecca to the Night Clubbers, two very different sides to the Town .

Richard working his magic

The Bombarder (something from weird science)

I have always been intriqued by neon lights, it's rather like a moth being drawn to the light. I decided on an impulse to attend  The Neon Universe course which is run by Richard Wheater at the neon workshops. Not really knowing what to expect, myself and six other budding neon artists designed and manufactured our own lights in the four days of the course. The glass bending is a true art and requires many hours practice, if not years to perfect. Of course we all managed to be experts in four days ;-0

It truley was a fantastic experience and insight into neon lighting which is over 100 years old.  Neon lighting has been side swiped by cheaper led lighting in recent years which is a shame. I am sure neon will be around for many more years to come and I for one will be promoting it!.  I will be adding a page to our web site dedicated to Neon lighting very soon http://www.vintagelights.co.uk/ in the mean time check out  www.neonworkshops.com.

Wolfgang in the forefront making his master piece! Tim and Julie in the background

I have come away with a load of ideas, just need the time to put them into action.

Double Rainbow

Playroom

Our brief was to design a playroom that had enough storage to hide all the toys, so the room could turn into a grown ups space after lights out!  After seeing the amount of  toys these guys had it was no small task -  they also wanted to house a 40" TV which could be hidden away. NO PROBLEM!.  Louise set to work on a design, while I set to work in my small workshop.

 The carcasses were cut and prepared in my workshop, ready to be assembled on site. I used 18mm Oak Conti which would be easy to clean and tough to withstand the knocks.

Thanks to my precision measuring the carcass was assembled fairly quickly!

All the doors were made from MDF which gives a good paint base. The idea behind the design was a minimal look, so no handles were used. I installed touch latches instead.

This was a fantastic piece of storage, every shelf being adjustable with pull and slide back centre doors that housed the TV.

The finished design. I was really pleased with this and the client was delighted -  so happy infact, I was commissioned  to build another unit in the lounge (blog to follow)

 

Cole and Sons Flamingo wall paper ;-) What a great room!

We are always available for interior design projects.

 http://www.vintagelights.co.uk/

Edwardian Antique Dressing Chair

Currently on display at The Excel Grand Designs on our stand E93, we have an original Edwardian Antique chair that we have restored in a stunning yellow velvet fabric.

This is an extremely comfortable chair and very heavy, an absolute bargin at £435.  

We also have two original Parker Knoll wing backs finished in the same fabric at our showroom in Farnham, Surrey.

http://www.vintagelights.co.uk/

www.vintagelights.co.uk at Grand Design

I have taken a few shots of our stand, sorry in advance not David Bailey quality as it was done with the I phone (Mind you it would probably be just as bad with an Olympus ;-)

Pict 1 Centre of the stand showing our upcycled chandelier, wall lights against an original 1950's Italian wallpaper

 Pict 2 Our stunning picture led wall lights, top one is made of English Apple wood and Aluminium. Lower one is made of Tiger wood and Acrylic.

 Pict 3 Showing our collection of hand made bird cage chandeliers. Our Nud Lamps and an original Edwardian chair that we have given a modern make over.

 Pic 5 Showing Our bamboo pendant as featured in the March Edition of Elle Decoration, our recycled glass lamps with batik hand made shades, an original 1960's scarf and some tine k shades

http://www.vintagelights.co.uk/

Grand Designs. The Big Build!!

Today was the big build day! What an absolute nightmare, firstly accident on the M25 just before the Dartford tunnel ARRRR! Then Louise the king pin to the whole operation was told that she cannot enter the build up because she wasn't wearing appropriate footwear. God she looked funny in my size 9's 

We have some great new products we have been working on to be launched at the show.

Our own hand made Aviary Pendants currently 5 varieties.

Our recycled glass lights in stunning jewel colours with our hand made African Batik Shades

My favourite! designed and manufactured in house, tiger wood and acrylic led picture light. Utilizing warm leds.

We also have one made of Apple Wood and Aluminium which is on display at the show I will post some pics soon.

Come visit our site at http://www.vintagelights.co.uk/