Tuesday 14 July 2009

lincrusta.blogspot.com

"Lincrusta is the ultimate wallcovering used in some of the most prestigious buildings and locations around the world since it was first invented in 1877.

Lincrusta is unique in the home and commercial decorations markets - there's simply nothing quite like it for classical style and durability.

Lincrusta is made today from natural materials in exactly the same way as 1877, even using the same designs and, in some cases, the original rollers.

Lincrusta is a perfect solution for today's interior designers, specifiers and architects as it offers innovative solutions for any design application. Whether you're recreating traditional splendor or wanting to make a contemporary statement or even a fusion of both styles, Lincrusta can be used in any kind of interior design application".

To celebrate the product further, and to panda to my geeky side, I am launching my latest venture, the lincrusta blog... my intention is for it to become a resource for anyone that would like to "dig a little deeper" into the world of Lincrusta.

I will be looking at existing patterns, developments, history, paint effects and general "wrinkles" that I find in my day-to-day life with the product.

Enjoy!!!

Lincrusta specialist, specialist decorator, Lincrusta installer, Lincrusta decorator, west midlands, uk, united kingdom, traditional, exquisite, unique product, opulent, art nouveau, italian renaissance, sophia, amelia, linenfold

Monday 13 July 2009

John Charles Interiors



In the interests of promoting my network of craftspeople that I work with, I would like to highlight John Charles Interiors of Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham.

To find out more about John Charles Interiors please visit their website, or alternatively call; 0121 420 3977.

John is kind enough to recommend me to his client base whenever someone wants a specialist finish, renovation of a period wallcovering or the application of Lincrusta, not to mention "general" painting and decorating.

Many thanks for your support John!!!
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Saturday 11 July 2009

Traditional Decorating Materials



I have been using A. S. Handover for some years now, and I thought that it was about time that they got a mention here!

Established over 50 years ago, the company were first and foremost hand-made brush manufacturers... to use their own words;

"In response to requests from customers, many complementary products have been added to these brushes over the years and we are now proud to offer a comprehensive range of products to meet the needs of artists, signwriters, specialist and traditional decorators, gilders, pinstripers, stained glass artists and many other craftsmen".

Primarily, I purchase gold leaf, gilt creme, and traditional decorating tools from them... I can't fault their knowledge or their fantastic level of prompt service (often next day delivery!)

It's great to have a supplier that you can rely upon, thanks Handover!

London, traditional decorator, gold leaf, lincrusta, craftsman, craftsmanship, decorating materials

Friday 10 July 2009

Art Nouveau in Sutton



This substantial property is undergoing a complete and comprehensive restoration and renovation. M. J Guest Ltd. was brought in to install approximately 50 panels of dado height Lincrusta - Art Nouveau pattern.

The newly plastered walls were lined and the product was applied. The Lincrusta was then washed down with white spirit to remove any grease that may still remain from the manufacturing process, and painted with a coat of oil based wood primer.

Following the production of several sample boards for the client to decide upon colour schemes and effects, the Lincrusta was then treated to two further coats of Little Greene oil based eggshell, a further wash of oil based eggshell and a dry brush coat of a darker shade was applied.

To complete the effect, gilt creme was heavily applied and wiped down with 3 varying degrees of white spirit on cloth.

The finished result is stunning - further images will follow, once the client has fitted new carpets and designer radiators, etc.

Sutton Coldfield, Four Oaks, Painter & Decorator, Quality, Craftsman, Craftsmanship, Erdington, Birmingham, West Midlands, Painter, Decorator, Specialist, Master Decorator, Paint effects, Lincrusta, Hanging Lincrusta

Thursday 9 July 2009

Specialised Joinery


It's rare, but I've chanced upon someone who has a real passion for the quality of their work. Bob Whiles of Specialised Joinery Sutton Coldfield.

Having worked alongside Bob on a beautiful Victorian property in Sutton Coldfield, I have no reservation in recommending Specialised Joinery to absolutely anyone.

Take a look at Specialised Joinery's new website, it's packed with images and further information.

Bob can be contacted on mobile 07973 267814 or 0121 355 0919.

At last, a true Master Craftsman!

Sunday 5 July 2009

Georgian Restoration


We were originally asked if we could provide an insurance quotation to redecorate a dining room in a Birmingham Georgian property that had suffered water damage. The client had been informed by an interior designer that the ceiling was Lincrusta, and felt that we were the obvious choice for advice.

Upon inspection, the ceiling did not appear to be an existing pattern. Following a good deal of research with Lincrusta, English Heritage, The Victorian Society and Birmingham City Council, we were able to identify the covering as "Cameoid", which was an early Lincrusta-like product (C. 1900).

Once identified, the ceiling covering and substrate underwent a full restoration, which basically entailed cutting around the patterns, removing the covering, dressing and restoring the the covering itself, repairing the substrate and reinstalling the covering to the ceiling... the room will then be fully painted in a appropriate scheme by ourselves, in the near future.

The image you see above is prior to restoration.

Salamander, Lincrusta, Cameoid, west midlands, Birmingham, restoration, wallcovering decorator, painter and decorator, painter & decorator