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ART AND ARTISTIC PHOTOGRAPHY:
For fine oriental art, which looks so great with our libraries, visit the web site of Durlacher Fine Art Natasha specializes in modern Vietnamese paintings of the highest quality.
And for really imaginative and beautifully composed photography visit Tim Hall where his exquisite and quite unusual portraits and photographs of the Far East, India, North African desert and other venues may be seen.
CARPETS:
The beautiful, fitted carpet in the sitting room was supplied by Blenheim Carpets 020 7823 6333
INTERIOR DECORATORS:
The decorations and fabrics selected by: John Byrom of Byrom Designs Ltd. North Lodge, Great Rissington Gloucestershire GL54 2LR, Phone: 01451 830271 Fax: 01451 832238. John has many years of premier experience and is a genius in combining spacial concepts and interior design with fabulous colours and fabrics. Contact e-mail byromjohn@aol.com.
Alternatively for a comprehensive, specialist in luxury interiors, then make Katharine Pooley at 160 Walton Street London SW3 2JL +44(0) 0207 584 3223 - your first choice. Her selections are of highest quality, from very exclusive ranges for the house hold, luxury goods, gifts and Oriental jewellery.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT:
Property renovations and structural alterations from extensions to loft conversions professionally managed by Jacquie Lund, Lund Limited, 55 Culmstock Road, London SW11 6LY +44 (0) 20 7223 0455 or e-mail to jacquie.lund@virgin.net or presently an example of her work may be seen on see below for more info on homesources
HOME MAKE OVER
Re-organize your home to increase market value or your own living standards. Expert advice from a small team of experieneced consultants can transform you house without rebuilding the property! Julie Riley, Sim Hughes and Kate Hunter will do this for you. Learn more of their services by visting them on Homestraight
WEDDINGS, PARTIES AND CORPORATE DAYS:
To find, in the very heart of the English countryside, an idyllic spot for your Wedding Reception or “Golden Anniversary Party” is the dream many of us have, especially for those of our friends from overseas. I was lucky enough to be invited to Combe Manor . The classically styled Georgian Manor house, quintessentially English with a Norman Church and 300yr old barn. It is simply “Old England” through and through. Family run to the highest of traditional British standards. Call either David or Mary Russell on +44 (0)1488 668 229 for details.
HOME FURNITURE SOURCES:
This site has been set up to gather notes by householders engaged in home improvements and finding furniture. It is useful site to source requirements with images of what can be done by the individual as well as the designer and furniture that is available. Most sites on Homesources have been found by the Web master or recommended to Homesources by others users.
BOOKS:
For rare antiquarian books or special editions contact John Townsend at The Old Hall Bookshop, 32 Market Place, Brackley Northants, NN13 5DP +44 (0)1280 704 146. John Townsend can also advise on valuation of your library, find those special second hand or new editions you are looking for.
Computer books at PC BookShop 01428 751 414
FISHING TUITION ON THE SPEY:
For a fishing holiday on the Spey then contact Ian Neale, on 01343 890 462 he can give tuition to individuals or parties and arrange accommodation and fishing for your visit to the Spey on your trip to Scotland
WEEKLY NEWS AND VIEWS COMMENT
James Max has a wealth of commercial experience and has a weekly column in the “Times on Line”. He is happy to put his views to the world and they are very often refreshing and a real wake up call. James does not pull punches and is not sycophantic. Well worth the free subscription offered on his site!
FALSE BOOK BACKS:
Manor Bindery have supplied all our false book backs on cupboard doors etc. They have personal access to a fine, private, antiquarian library from which they have taken their own original book back mouldings.
HARDWARE:
For unusual items we go to Hafele U.K. on 01788 542 020. Flip back Hawa Hinges for instance for TV cupboards
Or if you live in the U.S.A. then Whitechapel Ltd in Jackson, Wyoming; they have a very extensive stock of fantastic brass ware. Call them on 1-307-739-9478, we have been in touch with them too.
CHELSEA GREEN AND BIRTHDAY CAKES:
My wife used to work at Scott Aide on Chelsea Green (which we initially “shop fitted” 15 years or so ago for the owner) and then she worked there at the toy shop, which it later became. During that period she got to know David and his early morning coffees (now, sadly, stopped) who helped Jane Asher in her cake shop. So from personal recommendation for really wonderful cakes of the very highest quality go to Jane Asher who designs and makes birthday, wedding and all kinds of celebration and special occasion cakes - (and in really exceptional designs - golfing, racing cars, etc. almost any theme) . Jane Asher made them for our daughters wedding as well as for many of our friends. We have no hesitation in recommending her wonderful skills if you are due a celebration of any kind.
PERFUMES & TOILETRIES:
We also helped design and fit out Jo Malone in their original shop in Walton Street about 12 years ago before they moved to 150 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9BX. In our web site you will see their original shop which we were proud to help them with. They are now a well known brand and of the highest quality.
HANDLES:
Clayton Munroe on 01803 865 700 have a fine range of Old English style of door furniture in brass ware and wrought iron and A Touch of Brass (Web Link) and Whitechapel - above under Hardware.
FIREPLACES & MANTLE PIECES:
Chesneys Antique Fireplace Warehouse to see an example in our panelled room or contact them on 020 7627 1410. We have often fitted our bookcases after they have installed the fireplaces and together they go well.
JOB COSTING:
TimeWatch If you have a business that has to track consultants time and their costs have a close look at they have been writing programs for many years and have mastered the technique.
COMPUTER NETWORKS:
Firms in the London and home counties who are having problems with their LAN systems could have these sorted by Financial Tools . They are highly experienced and give a unique personal service (sometime working throughout the night).
COMPUTERS:
The only firm of manufacturers and suppliers whom I trust are PEP Technologies Ltd. A small firm that build computers individually for clients to their precise specifications. They are a shade more expensive than the mass produced models but they test their products before they go out, give a very personal back up service and up to three years warranty. Find them on the web or at +44 01923 212 611.
PLASTER WORK:
Many of the cornices that are run on the ceiling, over these bookcases after they have been installed, have had the original copied and fitted by Butcher Plaster Specialist At 8 Fitzroy Road Primrose Hill London NW1 8TX Phone +44 020-7722 9771. Mr Cowell is a very experienced craftsmen having been in the trade for many years.
Alternatively London Fine Art Plaster At Unit 3, Romeo Business Park, Juliet Way, Purfleet, Essex RM15 4DY +44 (0)1708 252 400 and on are also very experience and helpful. I have worked with both firms very successfully and examples of their work are on this web site.
RADIATOR GRILL (Wooden & Brass) and FANCY MOULDINGS:
Winther Browne supply hardwood radiator grills and fancy mouldings (see also below) you can contact them on: +44 (0) 20 8884 6000 and at For quality modern and Georgian style brass grills, handles and other brass work contact the Touch of Brass on +44 020 7351 2255 they are at 210 Fulham Road London SW10 9PJ (just east of the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital).
WOOD CARVINGS AND MOULDINGS
Winther Browne produce fine wood carvings and carved mouldings for contract use. Contact them on +44 020 8344 9050 or e-mail them on sales@wintherbrowne.co.uk For really individual work though go to Sue Haynes on 020 7226 4082 and she will carve specially for you.
LIGHTS AND LIGHTING:
Mr Resistor or Phone 020 8874 2234; Mr Resistor supplies one of the most extensive range of concealed bookcase lighting. We think their Decolume lights are best and simplest for concealed shelf lighting behind wide pilasters and are simple for the electrician to fit and if budget is not of importance then their state-of-the-art LED lights are the number one solution that you can buy for all over lighting within the bookcase, see examples of fluorescent up-lights for the ceiling to brighten the room, pilaster light down the sides of bookcase, tungsten filament lights for a soft down light and halogen down-lights for intense lighting.
Besselink Jones & Mile, 99 Walton St London SW3 2HH on +44 020 7584 0343 supply top quality light fittings to retail and trade customers many of which are ideal for our bookcases.
Vaughan Ltd G1, Chelsea Harbour Design Centre London SW10 0XE on +44 020 7731 6197 have not only a fine selection of light and lamps which also compliment our bookcases when fitted, but also furniture and soft furnishing.
PLUMBING FOR BATHROOMS:
The Victorian style taps from C P Hart. www.cphart.co.uk ; are shown on the vanity unit. Alternatively for a modern, up to the minute and state of the art, bathroom, contemporary design fittings then Aston Matthews may be your choice, 141 Essex Road Islington N1 2SN on 020 7226 7220 for a brochure, or visit their web site at They are the last word in bathroom fittings and designs.
ENTERPRISE!:
The most enterprising concept to come to our notice will be found at Grand Stands World Wide plc. An innovative concept of collapsable and transportable grandstand seats for the public exhibitions or shows. A thousand seats in an hour! - or not far off.
KITCHENS:
Crabtree has a fine reputation for hand built kitchens and has a wonderful product, on +44 020 8392 6955, they are at 17 Station Road, London, SW13.
For Continental Styles, David Tindall Contracts Ltd design, supply and fit with the premiere kitchen appliances, 3 Square Rigger Row, Plantation Wharf, Battersea, London SW11 3TZ phone them at +44 020 7223 2023.
MOTOR FLEET:
Moff Motors in Castle Cary, Somerset, 01963 350 310 is a long way for us but they are first class and well worth sending our fleet there for servicing and renewal. They specialize in late, low mileage Fords
VISITORS TO LONDON
Russell Simpson: a personal, well established Estate Agent in Chelsea, who specialize in Residential sales and lettings, Knightsbridge, Chelsea, Kensington and West London. They can help with property purchases, or for a long business rent. Contact them on or phone +44 (0)20 7225 0277 All of course before you buy your bookcases for your new apartment.
MARBLE, GRANITE, SLATE & MOSAIC
Diespeker, an old, well established firm (100 yr.) whom we use for our marble and granite work-tops are excellent and have a very wide range of materials to choose from.
CATERING FOR PARTIES AND CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT
Annie Fryer Catering will organize all your parties for you and as an added bonus for our friends from the USA she is reputed to make the finest Chocolate Chip Cookies - brownies - in town. I know - I have tried them. E-mail on annie@anniefryer.com or phone 020 7351 4333 or leave a message on 020 7352 7693
JEWELLERY
A wonderful and varied collection of ready made and bespoke, utterly exclusive, jewellery which is all individually designed and manufactured by Dower and Hall . They use silver, gold and platinum with semiprecious and precious gems. Their collection of bespoke jewellery is available from either their stores in London and Glasgow or their web site. Alternatively if you prefer you can call them for details of their world wide service on +44 (0)20 7589 8474 and talk to Diane or Dan.
FINE WINES OF THE WORLD
For one of the best selections of Fine Wines, Continental and New World, that you can fine in London at competitive prices Lea & Sandeman Ltd 170 Fulham Road SW10 phone 022 7244 0522 (also in Barnes and Kensington). Contact Patrick Sandeman e-mail patrick.sandeman@leaandsandeman.co.uk - Check out their web site which is kept up to date with monthly recommendations, or call in personally and see their remarkable, varied and excellent selection of Cru Classes Wines either ready for drinking, or to be laid down, as well as more modestly priced wines for every day drinking. Hic!
FAMILY NEWS! - NEW BABY CARE - ANTE NATAL - POST NATAL CLASSES
New Baby Company provides professional, practical, personal advice for Mothers and Mothers to be. A very personal, London based organization to help you cope with the most important and exciting event of your life. Contact them on info@newbabycompany.com or get full details here, from their web site.
MUSIC:
Click here for a link to free trial of software from Audiograbber to enable you to down-load/record music on your PC.
For keyboard lessons on line or at home with Marycliff’s CD go to their web site at and learn to play the keyboard.
SHIPPING ABROAD:
Hedleys Humpers +44 (0)20 8965 8733 have offices in London, Paris and New York. They pack and ship to most places so if you want something carefully and properly shipped, contact them to see if then can ship it to your required destination.
PAINTS:
For painting our bookcases here are some useful contacts:- Annie Sloan , is one of the most highly recommended, experienced and up-to-date decorative paint experts who has written a number of books : her paints and books can be obtained from Relics of Witney (+44 01993 704 61). Paint Magic and Jacasta Innes have also published excellent books on how to paint decoratively +44 020 8960 9960.
However, for good paint outlets in London try Leyland Paints, who have branches throughout London with helpful staff +44 020 7405 8985.
Or “Papers and Paints” at 4 Park Walk London SW10 +44 020 7352 8626, they will give you personal advice when you buy your paint which is particularly valuable as they are also the specialist in the use of paint / and colours in historic buildings and in advising on, and supplying for, contemporary situations.
Spray Painting can be undertaken by Paintworks 44 020 7708 1100 or on when they get their site up and running shortly. See also our page on Painting Tips
SECURITY SYSTEMS; INTRUDER ALARMS
Xtal Security Systems (website is presently under construction) are suppliers of alarm systems. They are a small very personal firm who pay attention to detail, give an individual, efficient service at a reasonable cost. Contact them on 020 8877 9801 for details, see them at or e-mail to info@xtalsecurity.com . Their address is 191 Replingham Road, Southfields, London SW18 5LY and talk to Mr Michael Wadham. Xtal belongs to a UKAS accredited Inspectorate being a member of SSAIB.
ANTIQUE BOOKCASES
Norman Adams have one of the very finest antique shops in London for the most exquisite 18th Cent bookcases and furniture. Talk to Stuart Whittington if you have an interest and can want the finest - or visit their web site for further information. They are at 8-10 Hans Road SW3 1RX which is opposite the west entrance of Harrods in Knightsbridge or phone +44 (020) 7589 5266.
IRISH LINEN
Purple and Fine Linen Ltd, run by an Irish lady, have a reputation for the highest quality - finest linen from Ireland. They will arrange to make the linen to suit your own sizes; tables, beds, whatever. Woven to customer’s requirements. Visit their web site, or write to them at Purple & Fine Linen, Faberhouse Online Ltd, Faber House, Ibstone, Bucks HP14 3XT, or phone on 01491 638 231
LIBRARY STEPS
As of August 2005 Library Step Chairs can be purchased from Past Times 0870-125-0125 for about £95.00. We have no information on these as to quality etc. (it was an advertisement seen) they could answer your problem. Their web site is past-times.com; but they lock you in and so I will not link to it - the library steps are under “chairs” as library step chairs and cost about £100.00. Comments to us as to how they are and whether we should leave them on our page please!
MOTORBIKE MADNESS
If you have an interest in motor bikes check out these sites www.londonbikers.com and www.bikersoracle.com they will give you info and leads.
DECORATIVE PAINTERS
Alistair Erskine is one of the Master Decorative Painters who has painted some of these bookcases and studies after installation www.alistairerskine.com He can achieve extremely high standards in faux bois, trompe l’oeil, marbling and almost all other paint finishes. Mobile: 07801 395309 Home: 01264 361764
MODERN SOFA
Modern Sofa http://www.rezon8living.com If you are looking for a stylish, modern sofa, look no further than rezon8 living. Choose any style, colour and shape at rezon8 living, where the modern sofa has made its way into the 21st Century.
INTERIOR DESIGN SCHOOL
Interior Design School http://www.sheffield.edu Sheffield School of Interior Design is a completely unique interactive distance learning course in interior design and decorating.
THIS WEB SITE AND SOFTWARE
Built by us using NetFusion and the images were all created with the Polyview program. Polyview is a fantastic program which reduces the size of images for the web and files them where you want them as they are converted. Simple and very worth while the small down load charge of about £20.00 (no annual on going charges either!).. In building the web site we used Nero to burn our backups onto disc. A great program for this and easy to use. Down load it for a trial at
Please do let me know if any of the above recommendations are not up to scratch or if the links fail to work. This will enable us to keep up to date.
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