Auctions are a fantastic way to snap up a bargain and experience the excitement of the gavel coming down on your winning bid. But no matter how many episodes of Bargain Hunt you’ve watched, the fast pace of a real-life saleroom can be an intimidating experience for the uninitiated.

The huge growth in online services – boosted during the pandemic – means that most people don’t attend auctions in person anymore, which may be disappointing for those who love the cut and thrust of the saleroom. But there’s still a thrill to be had in bidding in real time online while the auction is live, competing with rival bidders anywhere in the country, or even the world. It’s also a lot less intimidating to bid from home.

If you’re new to bidding at auction, here are our top tips for success.

View the lots

Unless operating exclusively online, most auction houses offer a pre-sale viewing, so you can examine items for maker’s marks, imperfections or take measurements. Although bids can be placed remotely, if you’re local to the auction house it’s always a good idea to go to the viewing. ‘There’s no substitute for examining items in the flesh before bidding,’ advises Guy Schooling of Sworders auction house. ‘You can also ask auction-room staff questions; reputable firms will offer genuine advice.’

Examine pieces carefully, request condition reports and always ask questions about lots you are interested in. If a piece is misdescribed or damage has not been accurately detailed, consumer legislation allows you to return the piece. But if there has been an opportunity to view and you have simply changed your mind, there’s no redress – so do your research.

Be open minded

So what should you look for at auction? From mid-century furniture to art deco lighting or movie memorabilia, there are auctions out there catering for specific categories and eras, as well as more general auctions, so whether you have a wishlist of pieces for a specific project or collection, or are an opportunistic browser waiting for something to catch your eye, auctions offer rich potential. The key thing is to keep an open mind and get inspired by what’s on offer on the day.

Experienced buyer Hannah Verrall has used auctions to furnish the bell tents on her glamping site, Warren Farm, in Pembrokeshire, and says the habit runs in her family. ‘Three generations of my family used to go to the auction every month: my grandparents, my mum and me,’ she says. ‘Mainly we saw it as a day out combined with a treasure hunt – we never knew what we might come home with!’

Check extra charges and security

Before bidding, check how much you might have to pay in additional charges, including the buyer’s premium (a commission charged to buyers by the auction house), VAT and shipping costs. And with online platforms, always check to see how your money is protected, with funds only released from a buyer to a vendor once the purchase has been received.

Consider your price limit

Perhaps the biggest risk of buying at auction is getting caught up in the moment and bidding too much, and this can happen just as easily in the saleroom as online. ‘Don’t get too hung up on pre-sale estimates – think about what that piece is worth to you,’ says Guy. ‘But equally, don’t get too carried away – fix your spending limit then add one or two more bids. Sometimes just one extra bid is all you need to secure a prize piece.’

Many people fear they might accidentally bid by moving their hand at the wrong moment, but Hannah is reassuring. ‘I’ve never accidentally bought something by scratching my nose! The auctioneers are used to people having different styles of bidding: they’ll only start taking smaller movements as bids once they know you. So start simple with just a flash of your paddle number.’

If you’re nervous, simply leave a commission bid, which is when you give the auctioneer a list of the lots you want to bid on and a maximum price for each lot. ‘You can either stay to watch the bidding, or leave and find out later what you’ve won and what slipped through your fingers that day,’ says Hannah. ‘If you really want to take the stress out of things, buy remotely – but still always try to view in person. And don’t worry that you’ll end up paying full whack: the auctioneer will only go to your bid after the last other person’s highest bid.’

Bidding online

If you’re concerned about getting carried away and bidding too much in a live auction, many online auctions now operate on a timed model, similar to eBay. This allows bidders more time to reflect on lots and their bids. And as eBay has now evolved into more of a marketplace in recent years, genuine online auctions have become increasingly popular. ‘We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service,’ says Robin Gray, managing director of online auction platform William George. ‘Plus, we have accessible humans on hand should anyone need any help!’

If you’re concerned about ‘sniping’ – where a last-second bidder can grab the prize before you have a chance to bid again – then look for auction platforms that offer preventative measures. ‘You won’t fall foul of sniping with our auctions,’ says Robin. ‘If someone bids on a lot when there are 10 minutes or less remaining on the clock, it will reset to 10 minutes again to give you another chance to bid if you wish. My tips for getting a bargain are to look out for “no reserve” auctions and always check how many competing bidders there are. Before you bid, check what similar items have previously fetched at auction so you can set a budget you’re happy with.’

WORDS: LINDSEY HARRAD

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Although you’ll be spending less time watering as we move into autumn, it’s no excuse to neglect your plants. There’s still work to be done to maintain their condition; not only is this part of being a ‘plant parent’, but losing them due to poor maintenance or disease can be heartbreaking and affect your confidence in your nurturing skills. Houseplants are expensive and replacing them all in the spring can be costly as well as unsustainable.

Increase light exposure

It sounds obvious, but the amount of daylight in the colder seasons is hugely reduced. With light being one of the fundamentals for your plants’ health and survival, it’s important to make sure they are getting enough. So consider repositioning them to a spot where they will receive enough for their individual needs. This is something you will need to pay careful consideration to for sun-loving plants like succulents and cacti. Plants that enjoy a bright position may also need to be moved closer to a window to ensure enough daylight.

Adjust your watering routine

During autumn and winter, the cooler weather means soil dries out slower than in spring and summer, so it’s important to adjust watering accordingly. The best way to check when your plant needs water is to monitor the level of moisture in the soil, using your finger. Common houseplants such as Swiss cheese, rubber, palm and prayer plants that are watered weekly in the spring and summer can probably go at least three or four days longer between watering. Succulents are fine with a monthly water (instead of weekly) and cacti can go even longer, sometimes two months, or more, will be enough. Remember to use the soil as your guide – and for succulents and cacti the soil must be completely dry before you water. Give them a thorough drenching when you do though, and allow the water to fully drain.

Watch the temperature

There is nothing houseplants dislike more than fluctuations in heat. It’s important to keep your green leafy friends away from extremes in temperature during the cooler months. Radiators, underfloor heating and draughts from sash windows are the main culprits, so you may need to reposition your plants over the winter. Look at this an opportunity to restyle your home rather than a chore. The ficus family of plants, which includes rubber plants and fiddle-leaf figs, particularly dislike extremes in temperature and being moved around too much. If at all possible, try to find a spot for these varieties that will suit them all-year round.

Care & maintenance

Trim away any dead leaves and freshen up the soil. Your plant won’t see much growth during this time so only repot if it has become too big for its container. The best time to repot is in spring, but do it now if you think your plant is looking squashed.

Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to allow them to breathe.

Keep a regular lookout for pests as well as discolouration of leaves.

Dilute or stop feeding during winter. Your plants are in their dormant period now and will have a significant reduction in growth; this is normal and you risk overfeeding. Adding a fresh layer of compost is a safer way to give them nutrients.

WORDS: ANGELA MAYNARD

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This is even more important in winter, when we spend more time at home, keeping cosy on long nights or entertaining friends, and when low light levels can send our mood plummeting. It’s why the tradition of Yuletide decoration goes so far back – it’s a way of reminding ourselves that the cold won’t last forever and light will return. Now scientific research is catching up with what our ancestors knew – ‘neuro-architects’ are starting to design uplifting buildings based on our brain’s responses to our environment. And, while we can’t all live in a neuro-architectural paradise, we can still use what they’ve learned to create happy homes.

Spaces for living

The first, and simplest, move is to look at each room and ask if it suits its purpose. We prefer open spaces for socialising and a small, enclosed corner when we want to concentrate on something or be alone with our emotions. So homes need to cater to both needs. Michael Player, psychologist and co-author of StressLess (Robinson, £12.99), adds that a relaxing bedroom should be a priority. ‘Improving your sleep is the single most meaningful thing you can do to increase your mental health,’ he says. ‘Make the bed as comfortable as possible and insulate yourself from exterior light and noise with heavy curtains. Get rid of visual clutter and technology – it’s important to create screen-free spaces where you can relax.’

Go green

Then, add a dash of green. Being in nature lifts the spirits instantly, but one study has shown that even a photograph of the natural world can give you a boost (the same study found that looking at a Jackson Pollock artwork can actually increase stress!). Plants are even more effective. According to Anjie Cho, architect and author of Holistic Spaces (CICO Books, £9.99), ‘they can create a softer more vibrant energy in a home and are healing visually and physically.’ Plants have the added plus of purifying the air and reducing household pollution – dust, cooking fumes and outdoor dirt which can affect our health. Another pollutant is off-gassing: the smells given off by the chemicals used to make new items. Yet another reason to buy vintage!

Light and colour

‘Think about colour too,’ says Michael. ‘Soft whites, pale blues and greens reduce stress. Whereas bright red can actually raise blood pressure.’ Oranges and greens are good for socialising and collaboration, and yellows promote productivity.

Light is another important factor – a home full of natural light is instantly calming. In winter this can be in short supply, so make the most of what you have. ‘Open curtains and blinds first thing in the morning to kick-start your circadian rhythm,’ recommends Michael. ‘And in the evening dim the lights to help you wind down.’

Dealing with ‘stuff’

There’s true emotional power in the items we collect, according to counsellor Dawn Smith. “‘Sentimental value” is a slightly dismissive term that suggests we’re a little silly for caring about the vase Gran left us or the Tretchikoff print we rescued from a car-boot sale, but there’s more to it than that. These things spark joyous memories, and give us a sense of belonging to a class or cultural tribe. They say something about us.’
It’s a good idea to harness this joy by placing special items in the right place. ‘Group strong memories together – maybe have a cabinet of travel-related ones, or paint a square on the wall and fill it with happy memories,’ says Kirsten. She also recommends setting aside a wall in your hallway for family memories. ‘It creates a sense of belonging straight away. Imagine if you’re a child who doesn’t live with both parents, and how reassuring it would be to see your face on that wall every time you walked in.’

However, it’s easy to accumulate too many emotionally weighted objects – which we then can’t face giving away. It’s called the ‘endowment effect’ – once something is ours, we feel like we’ve ‘won’ it which gives it extra value. It’s why we find it so hard to send back those too-small trousers we bought on ebay. Kirsten recommends the seven-three method to declutter. ‘Put 10 things out in front of you, get rid of three and keep seven. Breaking it down like this makes the task seem less intimidating.’

Problem areas

But what about those pesky things we can’t change? The teeny-tiny windows, the cramped hallway, the domestic stand-off about the colour of the kitchen cupboards? This sort of issue can transform your home into a place of tension. And this is where Kirsten Steno comes in. Originally an interior designer, Kirsten then trained as a life coach and merged the two roles together as a ‘house coach’ (housecoachinginstitute.com).

‘Very often there’s more than meets the eye to these problems,’ she reveals. ‘For example, one couple came to me because the wife, an artist, wanted a vintage home and the husband, a banker, wanted high-end modern furniture. She was calling him a “snob” he was calling her a “naive hippy”. I discovered the wife was afraid of being dragged into a conventional life, and the husband hated disorder and wanted good design. They compromised by buying Danish furniture from the 1960s and now both love their home! Very often your own mindset is what’s stopping you being happy. Once you’ve figured out what’s really bothering you, you can create a home you love.’

The post How to make your home your happy place appeared first on Reclaim Magazine.

The secret of a collected home is to focus on things you love, curating curious combinations that tell your personal story and trigger memories. Your collection will evolve organically over time – layering vintage pieces with new or unexpected objects to create an original mood and timeless charm that you can revisit, edit and continue to add to.

My husband collects cutlery. At first, I didn’t understand the obsession and he can’t quite explain it himself but I absolutely appreciate how easy it makes Christmas, work trips and ‘just because’ presents. It’s perhaps the most overused quote amongst interior designers, collectors and enablers, but William Morris was on the money when he said, ‘Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.’

I don’t buy souvenirs when I travel, instead seeking out local cooking shops and markets for interesting utensils and practical items. Once, while backpacking through southeast Asia, I bought a mortar and pestle on the first day of a one-month long trip. Carrying a souvenir the size of a brick on and off long boats, buses and across rice fields was not my favourite experience, yet now every time I use it I’m immediately transported to that market in Lombok where men throw fish over the crowd, children chomp on coconuts and women furiously smash spices. People say you should collect memories, not things. I like to collect things from great memories. When I’m travelling, I like to remind myself that I’m actually, right in this moment, in a memory. Savouring the sights, sounds and smells and looking for little things to buy that will take me back to that exact moment in time.

India is my favourite place in the world and I return any chance I can. For a long time, bhar has been a vessel for serving chai throughout the country. Today, only a handful of places still serve the brew from these clay cups, helping to give it a rich and earthy flavour. In Kolkata the streets are paved with broken bhar and chai wallas refuse to serve their tea in anything but these, the original and only truly sustainable disposable cup in the world. After slurping down the last delicious sip of sweet chai you’re supposed to ceremoniously smash the bhar on to the pavement, returning the clay to the earth in which it was made. Me, however, I put them in my bag. Over the course of many years I’ve built up a collection of these beautiful vessels, artfully displayed in their very own cabinet, in a collection I will treasure forever.

Creating still lives or vignettes is a perfect way to display your finds and add a narrative to your home. My friend and artist Helen Mortley (@andyhelen_artist) combs beaches for shells, pottery shards and rope and artfully arranges them in shadow boxes. If you’re like me and have a motley crew of treasures, then a curiosity cabinet comes in handy to help display oddities and ephemera that might otherwise look out of place, or all together too much on a shelf. Any brown wood, glass-fronted cabinet will do the trick. Here, placing unexpected finds side by side creates an eclectic and intriguing mix and paints a picture of a homeowner who leads a life less ordinary.

Books, plants and vintage finds stacked on a coffee table or architectural plan drawers are a wonderful way to display a storied life. Instead of reaching for the remote, it will inspire you to reach for a book or dream of far-flung places. The key is to mix heights, turn books and add texture and foliage to create a visual feast. Most of all, have fun travelling and buy it if it makes your heart flutter. I promise that every time you give it a passing glance, it will take you back to your happy place.

The post The art of collecting with Banjo Beale appeared first on Reclaim Magazine.

Introduce us to your brand 

Weirdstock is a small, London-based homeware brand specialising in organic cotton bedding in bold, retro-inspired prints. Our range bridges the gap between vintage style and modern quality, while also having a minimal impact on the planet. Each product has been thoughtfully designed to be fun and uplifting, injecting some 1970s eclecticism into your unique and joyful home. Our sheets are 100% organic cotton, ethically sourced, and have that luxe ‘hotel feel’, so you can have a positively groovy bedroom without compromising on quality.

What makes you stand out from the crowd?

The inspiration for my bedding line stemmed from a personal frustration: a lack of maximalist, sustainable and high-quality bedding options. I envisioned a way to fill this gap with products that embody a vibrant, retro aesthetic. I was sick of having to choose sustainable or colourful, high quality or cool designs. I wanted to create a product that can do it all! Sustainable or luxury products don’t have to be neutral.

What part of the process of making your items do you enjoy the most? 

Mood boards! I love those initial steps of pulling together the inspiration for a collection. It’s so exciting and energising for me. I love being able to take inspiration from vintage photos, nature, fashion, architecture and other things and then translate that into a real-life product. It’s really fun, and to be quite honest, the hard part hasn’t started yet at that point!

I also love photoshoot days. Styling a space and bringing a vision from my head into the real world is so satisfying. I’ve been so lucky to work with some amazing photographers who have helped me transform a space and convey my whole brand ethos as well as the product in a photo.

When did you realise you were a creative soul?

I’ve always been creative – between music, starting all sorts of clubs and projects as a child, inventing things, writing, scrapbooking and experimenting with fashion. I was never a particularly good ‘artist’, so I guess I didn’t quite realise at the time how many ways there are to be creative.

I think my love of music influences my personal style in a big way. I’ve been a big music fan all my life and love to sing – I have a pretty eclectic taste from rock, folk, disco and soul – probably an interest that first sparked my interest in mid-century culture and design.

What’s the best feedback you’ve received about your brand or products?

One of the reviews I received was from a customer who suffers from a chronic illness. She mentioned that she spends a lot of time indoors and her bed and bedroom are super-important to her, and that the vibrant design of her Weirdstock bedding makes her smile every day. I can’t ask for anything more than that!

I also appreciate it so much when people have finally found the thing they’ve been looking for – they’ve had a frustration, just like I did, and now don’t have to choose between joyful and sustainable – they can have both! That makes me so happy.

Why is sustainability so important to you personally and how you build your brand identity?

When I decided to start a business, sustainability was not optional for me. I didn’t even consider starting something that wasn’t environmentally and socially responsible. I want to be doing this for a long time and I want to be proud of what I do and what I create. The heart and soul of Weirdstock is to produce beautiful quality products that have a positive impact on people, and a minimal impact on the planet.

We use 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton in our bedding. GOTS is the Global Organic Textile Standard, and its certification ensures ecological and social responsibilty for the cotton that we use.

We’re also plastic-free, right down to the buttons used on our duvet covers (which are made from coconut shell), to the shipping materials we use. Our duvet sets and sheets are packaged in little cotton bags made from factory scraps, rather than wasteful plastic packets. You can use our bags for washing your delicates, or even as a cute storage solution to hang on the back of your bedroom door.

We manufacture in small batches, doing our best to ensure nothing is wasted and that every item finds a home before we produce more.

When looking at your journey so far, what would you do differently?

This might sound a bit cheesy, but I honestly wouldn’t do anything differently. The past few years have been a steep learning curve, with lots of mistakes and plenty of stressful moments – but those needed to happen for me to learn and continue to grow the brand and perfect the product for our customers. I’m a first-time entrepreneur and Weirdstock just had its first birthday at the end of August 2024, so it’s still fresh and new, and I’m sure that rollercoaster of highs and lows will continue. I have a positive outlook regardless of what happens, as long as I continue to keep my high standards around fairness and sustainability and continue to communicate honestly, it will all work out. I know that’s what my customers care about the most.

What’s next for your brand?  What newness should we keep a look out for?

The new collection, Nan’s House, will be launching very soon! Nan’s House will be OTT, kitsch and frilly cottagecore with traditional 70s colourways and pops of acid brights. You might have seen the hero print from this collection during our soft launch as part of our collaboration with Plants By There at the Chelsea Flower Show in May. Make sure you’re on the Weirdstock mailing list to be the first to know when the new collection is released.

Instagram: @weirdstock.living

The post September Star Maker: Weirdstock appeared first on Reclaim Magazine.

Introduce us to your brand

AAKS was born from a childhood steeped in the beauty of Ghanaian basket bags and a vision for transforming them into something modern and vibrant. I had a desire for an AAKS bag to be softer, foldable, and adorned with tasteful, contemporary colours and detailing. This led me to research bag designs and fibres, discovering the alignment of these ideas with my dream brand’s ethos. Recognising a market gap for beautifully handcrafted bags, I embarked on a journey to Ghana to bring my vision to life, driven by a passion to create something uniquely fulfilling, both personally and professionally.

What makes you stand out from the crowd?

What sets AAKS apart is our dedication to craftsmanship, sustainability and cultural authenticity. Each bag is meticulously handcrafted in Ghana using traditional weaving techniques and ethically sourced natural materials like raffia. Our designs blend vibrant, contemporary aesthetics with the rich cultural heritage of Ghana, creating unique pieces that tell a story. By supporting local artisans and providing fair wages, we contribute to the economic empowerment of the communities we work with. In a world of mass production, AAKS offers stylish, practical and environmentally friendly bags, making each piece a cherished work of art.

What part of the process of making your items do you enjoy the most?

I love the freedom of creativity which comes with being a designer and running my own sustainable business. I also particularly love visiting my artisans. There’s a special feeling in seeing raw materials transform into beautifully crafted bags through skilled hands. I love sharing ideas with my artisans and watching my designs come to life. This hands-on involvement deepens my appreciation for the artistry and dedication that goes into every AAKS bag.

When did you realise you were a creative soul?

Definitely in my childhood. I was constantly sketching flowers from my parent’s garden in Kumasi, Ghana. This passion led me to art school and eventually to study fashion design at Kingston University in London. Immersed in vibrant colours and textures, I discovered my love for transforming traditional designs into modern, stylish pieces, sparking my journey into design and craftsmanship.

What’s the best feedback you’ve received about your brand or products?

A customer once said our bags are not just accessories but pieces of art that carry the spirit and craftsmanship of Ghana. They appreciated the quality, vibrant colours, and the story behind each piece, highlighting how our dedication to ethical practices makes owning an AAKS bag feel even more special. This heartfelt endorsement truly captures what we strive to achieve with every creation.

Why is sustainability so important to you personally and how you build your brand identity?

Sustainability is crucial to me and AAKS’s identity. Growing up in Ghana, I appreciated the beauty of natural materials and traditional craftsmanship. We use ethically sourced raffia and eco-friendly weaving techniques, supporting local artisans with fair wages and sustainable jobs. This commitment ensures quality products that reflect our values of integrity and environmental respect.

When looking at your journey so far, what would you do differently?

Looking back at my journey, I probably wouldn’t change much as every challenge has been a learning curve that has shaped AAKS into what it is today. If anything, I would have encouraged my younger self to embrace starting and accept imperfections as part of the process – it’s all a work in progress.

What’s next for your brand? What newness should we keep a lookout for?

We’re excited to bring our collections to new markets with fresh, innovative designs that combine traditional weaving techniques with modern styles. We’re also making progress in exploring the homeware market and plan to launch a unique homeware collection soon. Follow our journey for updates as we grow and evolve.
I

nstagram: @a.a.k.s
Website:  aaksonline.com
Any upcoming markets: Maybe Coterie New York and Shoppe Objet New York

The post August Star Maker: AAKS appeared first on Reclaim Magazine.

Unseen Icons are specialists in rescuing and refurbishing vintage cinema seats.  We’re rebels at heart with a passion for taking the unseen, neglected and forgotten and creating something truly iconic.

What makes you stand out from the crowd?

I guess we’re quite quirky you could say, we love colour and pattern and want to encourage others to be braver in their homes by surrounding themselves with things they love rather than what’s on trend.

What part of the process of making your items do you enjoy the most?

Taking something old, battered and unloved and making it beautiful once more.

When did you realise you were a creative soul?

I’ve always loved making things, my mum was great at making things like Christmas decorations or fancy dress costumers and could also sew really well so I guess I got it from her although when I was younger I never wanted to learn to sew.  As I grew up I had various ventures making things like fairy wings and tutus and selling them at festivals and online.

5. Whats the best feedback you’ve received about your brand or products?

When someone sees our cinema seats and it stops them in their tracks!  Making that wow impression and for people to see how much creativity, passion and handwork has gone in to the finished product.

6. Why is sustainability so important to you personally and how you build your brand identity?

I can’t bear waste and the thought of things that could still have a purpose ending up in landfill is just crazy!  When comes to vintage items this is even more important as once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.  Our whole brand has been built around taking the forgotten and unloved and making it beautiful once more.

7. When looking at your journey so far would you do differently?

Ooh this is a tricky one because I guess its a tough call to say whether I did the right thing choosing to niche down into vintage cinema seats.  I trained in traditional and modern upholstery and originally launched my business with the idea of bringing vintage chairs and sofas back to life but after a couple of years I fell in love with the old cinema seats and built a niche around these.  In some ways this has been fantastic, we have been continuously improving our techniques and I like to think when people think of vintage cinema seats they think of us.  The down side has been that perhaps people don’t realise we are also upholsterers and can reimagine and restore their chairs and sofas leading to less work at times.  Did I do the right thing? who knows, but I’m still loving the cinema seats and live to show them to a wider audience.

What’s next for your brand? What newness should we keep a look out for?

Collaborations are the life blood to a small brand like ours and we have some fantastic ones in the planning stages.  We are going to be working with the lovely Siobhan (@interiorcurve) from Design Masters using her eclectic designs on our cinema seats and then we have a striped collection launching with Colours of Arley

9. How can we find you?

We have a studio in Writtle, Essex

Instagram @unseenicons

www.unseenicons.com

Any upcoming markets:  Goodwood Revival in September

The post July Star Maker: Unseen Icons appeared first on Reclaim Magazine.

The chair is essential for many daily tasks, and different activities and spaces in the home call for very specific types of chairs. From the late 19th century and into the 20th, chair evolution accelerated down revolutionary new avenues, with leading designers attempting to put their own spin on this indispensable piece of furniture. From Tulips to Eggs, swivel to stacking, designers were influenced by the latest lifestyle trends, experimenting with exciting new materials such as fibreglass and plastic, while also taking influences from history, creating iconic chairs that remain popular today, both in their original vintage and contemporary forms. Here, we explore seven key chair brands and styles that should be on your wishlist.

Parker Knoll

A thoroughly British brand, the Parker Knoll story started in the drawing rooms of Victorian gentry in 1869, survived through the war years and is still going strong today. Founded on a commitment to creating well-designed and comfortable chairs, Frederick Parker learnt his craft from his father, a cabinetmaker, and passed his skills on to his own sons. Today, Parker Knoll furniture is handmade in the company’s Nottinghamshire factory.

While Parker Knoll chairs, both vintage and new, come in several styles, it was the recliner that made their name. In the 1960s, reclining chairs made by companies such as Lazy Boy became hugely popular in the States, but their success didn’t translate to the UK. In 1966, Parker Knoll launched its signature N30 reclining chair, the most expensive product they’d ever manufactured, and after moving production to their Chipping Norton factory in Oxfordshire to keep up with huge demand, they sold 250,000 recliners over the next 25 years.

In 2019, as part of the company’s 150th birthday celebrations, the Norton 150+ reclining chair was launched, retaining the retro styling of the original’s iconic curved arms and back-stitch detailing – but with modern motorised mechanics. While the original N30 chairs may be harder to find than other styles, there are still plenty of beautifully designed Parker Knoll chairs to be snapped up – with tired pieces ideal for a revamp through reupholstering – from classic wingbacks to mid-century lounge chairs or stylish 1960s swivel Statesman chairs.

To buy

Pick up an original Parker Knoll chair that’s ripe for a reupholstery project on eBay, or visit Pamono for a good selection of vintage pieces. The Parker Knoll site offers new pieces in a range of styles.

Ercol

With light, elegant proportions that work so well in modern homes, it’s not surprising that vintage Ercol remains incredibly popular. A British brand founded in 1920 in High Wycombe by an Italian designer, Lucian Ercolani, Ercol furniture is recognisable for its clean lines, functional design and quality craftsmanship.

Dining chairs are perhaps the trademark chair for collectors today, from the iconic spindle-backed rounded Windsor to the elegant high-backed, splayed legged Quaker and Goldsmith dining chairs. It’s still possible to pick up individual or sets of vintage Ercol dining chairs without blowing the budget too.

Often made using lighter woods such as elm, beech and ash, Ercol furniture looks surprisingly contemporary. The daybeds and small studio couches are perfect to use as occasional sofas in smaller spaces such as a kitchen, garden room or bedroom, while the Windsor armchairs make lovely statement pieces for living spaces, or occasional chairs for bedrooms. While you may find chairs with their original fabrics, reupholstering is a wonderful way to make them suit your style.

To buy

The Ercol brand continues to thrive today, and new collections are not a great departure from vintage pieces if you like the look. Or check out Retro Cactus, which specialises in refurbed original vintage Ercol pieces, including chairs.

Tolix

A classic French industrial design, the zinc-galvanised steel Model A Tolix chair was invented in 1934 by Xavier Pauchard. His father and grandfather were zinc roofers, and in 1907 his knowledge of metalworking led to the discovery that you could prevent sheet metal from rusting by dipping it in molten zinc, or galvanising it. Ten years later Pauchard had set up his Tolix factory producing steel household products, and the Tolix chair eventually became his most enduring invention.

The Model A was designed as an all-weather indoor and outdoor chair, complete with drainage holes in the seat. Following feedback from customers, in 1956 he tweaked the design to make the chairs slimmer and stackable which was a huge success, providing practical seating at venues ranging from pavement cafés, to hospitals, factories and offices.

The ultimate in democratic design, the Tolix was beautifully designed and built to last, but was also mass-produced, accessible and affordable. The simple, iconic design has been widely copied in the decades since, with many companies producing Tolix-style chairs. Original vintage Tolix chairs are not too difficult to find, and usually come in a natural steel colour or red, or they may have been painted and can either be stripped back to their original metal or repainted.

Robust and practical, Tolix chairs work brilliantly in the garden, conservatories or in industrial-style indoor spaces such as kitchens, workshops and studios.

To buy

Merchant & Found has a large selection of vintage Tolix, or buy new on the Tolix website.

Eames

The fruit of a powerful creative and life partnership, the Eames chairs designed by husband-and-wife team Charles and Ray Eames have become modern classics. Although they also worked on notable architecture projects, it’s their contribution to modern seating design that has become their most famous legacy.

Launched in 1950, their moulded fibreglass Shell chair was created for an international low-cost furniture design competition sponsored by MoMA. This was the first chair design with a moulded seat and backrest formed in one piece of light, robust fibreglass – a material that had never been used for furniture in this way before – and was created to meet post-war demand for functional furniture that could be mass-produced at an affordable price. The curved fibreglass seat on an aluminium base was an instant hit, and became a template for armchair, side and rocking chair designs in a variety of colours, materials and finishes.

But the Eames Lounge chair and Ottoman – two separate designs that were, and still are, often paired together – have become even more iconic. They were produced by the Herman Miller company in 1956, and the design was a departure from their simpler, sleeker pieces. This was a chair designed to sink into and relax, with a distinctive curved base made of plywood that was heated and bent into shape, and topped with leather or fabric upholstery.

Original vintage Lounge chairs are highly collectable and come with a steep price tag, while new Eames pieces are still produced today. Eames – or Eames-style – Shell chairs are a great choice for light and practical dining chairs, while the Lounge and Ottoman pairing is a classic choice for a study or reading corner.

To buy

Go to Eames.com to find originals (plus tips on how to spot the real thing), or Heal’s and The Conran Shop for contemporary pieces.

Wishbone

Hans J Wegner is a leading name in Danish mid-century chair design, creating pieces that revolutionised design history. He was responsible for classics such as the Peacock chair, which enjoyed a late bloom of success 50 years after it was first designed, and the Round chair, popularised after appearing in the televised presidential debates between Nixon and Kennedy.

In 1947, established Danish furniture makers Carl Hansen & Son took a chance on Wegner, a promising young designer with radical ideas for sleek new furnishing designs, putting five of his pieces into production in 1950. All are still made today.

Inspired by a Chinese Ming dynasty throne, it’s perhaps the Wishbone chair that is Wegner’s most enduring creation, a deceptively simple design created for Carl Hansen & Son, which takes three weeks to build, incorporating over 100 different processes. With its rounded top rail, sculptural shape and a seat made from paper spun to look like rope (sisal was scarce during the post-war years), this light yet supportive chair was a hit, and has been in continuous production ever since, although it is now available in a variety of finishes and colours.

A set of elegant Wishbones would work beautifully with a dining or breakfast table, or a single chair would make a simple and stylish addition to a bathroom or bedroom.

To buy

For original vintage Wishbone chairs and other Wegner designs, try Vinterior and VTNG. Skandium and Nest stock modern CH24 Wishbone chairs in a range of finishes, or for beautiful Wishbone-inspired designs check out Where Saints Go.

G Plan

Recognisable for its combination of timeless teak and simple contours, British brand G Plan was created to fulfil the post-war need for modern, attractive and affordable furniture. Founded by Ebenezer Gomme, his designs for pieces for every room of the home were created to be sold individually so they could be bought gradually, without breaking the budget.

By the 1960s, facing serious competition from popular Danish furniture, G Plan made a smart move and collaborated with celebrated Danish designer Ib Kofod Larsen to bring a touch of Scandi style to their own collections, cementing its reputation as the leading UK homeware brand.

While G Plan’s beautifully made mid-century vintage pieces such as sideboards and coffee tables are perhaps most sought-after today, there are several G Plan chair designs worth looking out for, from butterfly chairs with their signature curved backrests, to a classic teak carver or Fresco dining chairs, as well as the iconic swivel wingback lounge chair. This latter design, produced in the 1960s and often known as the ‘Blofeld chair’ – as it was used in at least one James Bond film – was advertised by G Plan as ‘The World’s Most Comfortable Chair’ and it swivelled, rocked and glided. Throughout the late 1960s and 70s, G Plan continued to develop its reputation for swivel chairs, producing arguably the most stylish versions on the market.

The G Plan brand continues to produce new and classic products, including an exciting new collaboration with furniture restorer and The Repair Shop presenter Jay Blades.

To buy

Vinterior and VTNG have plentiful G Plan chairs and other furniture options. After Noah stocks restored vintage (and new) pieces from G Plan, as well as other mid-century brands. For new pieces, including a collection designed by Jay Blades, go to G Plan’s website.

WORDS: LINDSEY HARRAD

The post Iconic chairs every home should have appeared first on Reclaim Magazine.

The UK’s raft of fabulous vintage trains beckon. Whether you want to splash out on a luxury rail break or just enjoy a steam-inspired day trip, there are fabulous options ready to book now all around the country.

Iconic Pullman luxury from yesteryear

Travel from London Victoria back to a more glamorous era with a clutch of day trips that sit you down in the lap of vintage luxury that is the Belmond British Pullman. These carriages are the sisters of those that once formed the legendary Simplon-Orient-Express train, which a century ago began running from Calais through France, Italy and the Balkans to Istanbul – becoming an iconic setting for literature and film in the process.

You’ll be travelling in individually named and lovingly restored carriages: think antique wood panels, vintage lighting and heritage fabrics. The oldest date back to the 1920s and each has its own resonant history. Zena, for example, was used in the film Agatha, while Perseus served as Winston Churchill’s funeral train on his final journey in 1965.

Trips tap into different themes too. Architecture and interiors buffs may want to head to grand country piles like Highclere Castle (famous for being the set of Downton Abbey), Chatsworth House and Blenheim Palace in grand style, or enjoy a day trip to a historic town like Bath. Gourmands can opt for a journey where, rather than a stewed cuppa and soggy sandwich, catering features champagne afternoon tea or a five-course meal cooked on board by illustrious chefs such as Michel Roux Jr or Raymond Blanc. Alternatively, put your inner Poirot to the test on one of the regular Murder Mystery trips.

Hop aboard the Scarborough Spa Express

Dubbed the ‘Scarborough Flier’ when inaugurated in 1927, this service once whisked travellers from King’s Cross to the Yorkshire seaside resorts of Scarborough Central and Whitby via York. Now the Scarborough Spa trains – still bearing their famous sunburst design – offer atmospheric services between the west coast town of Carnforth by Morecambe Bay across northern England to the east coast.

As well as Gothic Whitby, ancient York and historic Scarborough (arguably the first beach resort in Britain), passengers can join or hop off at places en route including Skipton, Leeds, Hebden Bridge and Lancaster, pulled along by steam locomotive and vintage carriages dating back to the Jazz Era.

First-class ticket to Bath on the Northern Belle

Departing from various cities in the Midlands and northern England, the historic Northern Belle train will whisk you in vintage style to the Georgian spa town of Bath. These trains embody 1930s opulence, with each carriage named after a stately home and furnished appropriately with specially commissioned vintage décor, offering silver service from liveried stewards as you travel through idyllic countryside. There’s plenty of time to explore Bath – the honey-coloured architecture of the elegant Royal Crescent, striking Bath Abbey, or the dazzling Roman Baths. The Jane Austen House Museum pays tribute to one of the town’s most famous residents, and there are also some great shops – including vintage spots such as the Bartlett Street Antiques Centre.

Vintage fairs along the Watercress Line

Submerged fields in and around the now chi-chi medieval Hampshire village of Alresford have long been the heartland of watercress growing in Britain, and a Victorian railway line once whisked freshly plucked cress to the markets of London. Today, steam locos on the Watercress Line haul vintage carriages around some of the loveliest bits of Hampshire – within easy striking distance of beautiful villages and historic houses linked to names such as Jane Austen and 18th-century naturalist Gilbert White, credited with founding the science of ecology from his museum home in the idyllic hamlet of Selborne.
A host of regular events augment the simple pleasure of being pulled along by vintage engineering marvels dating back to the 1920s, including A Day Out with Thomas, where children can get up close to a full-size Thomas the Tank Engine, as well as dining trains and Christmas specials.

Moors the merrier in North Yorkshire

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a steam-driven nostalgia fest involving gorgeous antique Pullman carriages used in Downton Abbey, pulled by locomotives dating back to 1890. Rattling through the stunning scenery of one of Britain’s finest National Parks, you can sit back and just enjoy the ride over a leisurely couple of hours, or take breaks from the journey at atmospheric stations along the way. The most famous is Goathland – Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter films – though fans of the trains themselves may be equally captivated by the engineering sheds at Grosmont.

Travellers can enjoy quaint station shops, or on-board meals and afternoon teas in a heritage saloon car. Begin and end your journey either in the medieval market town of Pickering or the ravishing historic port of Whitby, whose winding cobbled lanes frame the majestic Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey (famed for links to Dracula!).

Ride the Harry Potter train on a Scottish odyssey

Voted the top rail journey in the world four years in a row by Wanderlust Magazine, the Jacobite steam train also became famous for its starring role in multiple Harry Potter films as the train that bore young wizards to Hogwarts. The classic scene shows the train sweeping across the majestic Glenfinnan Viaduct on its real-life journey between the Highland ports of Fort William and Mallaig, sweeping past lochs and wild beaches on a route that has its very own magic.

Use this brilliant vintage train ride as a thread to weave together a grand Caledonian tour. Scotland specialist McKinlay Kidd’s 10-night Classic Round Scotland by Train break features the Jacobite run alongside outstanding rail trips from Glasgow or Edinburgh to the Highlands. You’ll get to explore places as diverse as the medieval jewel of Stirling, the Highland ‘capital’ Inverness and the pretty yachting village of Plockton. Add a small group boat jaunt on Loch Ness, and a sailing trip over the sea to enjoy the dramatic Isle of Skye.

Head west for England’s longest heritage line

West Somerset Railway is the longest heritage railway line in England, journeying from the beautiful Somerset coast at Minehead into the delightful foothills of the Quantocks, steaming along an old branch line that calls at 10 unique stations in bucolic spots that offer plenty of chance to jump off and explore en route. Along the way, you’ll get views to Exmoor and the Bristol Channel, as well as rattling through a sylvan landscape past timeless villages. One break of journey you must do is to visit the stupendous Dunster Castle and Gardens (nationaltrust.org.uk), as well as soaking up the Victorian seaside vibe of Minehead.

The post All aboard for nostalgic train journeys around the UK appeared first on Reclaim Magazine.

Outdoor rooms are growing in popularity and, as someone who’s ridden this trend with fairy lights on her heels, I can let you in on the downside of it – the rain! This year, though, I’m on it. I’m going to be weather-ready. Firstly, no outdoor oasis is complete without a daybed and I know from experience that I’m useless at treating wood every year, so it needs to be metal. Secondly, the mattress must be waterproof. This led me down an Amazon and Facebook Marketplace rabbit hole and by the end I had purchased an IKEA metal daybed for £30, found a free single mattress, bought a rubber covering to encase the mattress (£8 from Amazon) and purchased a bottle of Polyvine Heavy Duty Extreme Varnish which is waterproof and has UV protection. This will be used to waterproof my cover and stop it fading. Not a bad hour’s work. Now just to create that fitted cover…

1 Take the measurements of your mattress, including the depth of the sides, and add about 4cm to each side for seam allowance, then cut your fabric to size (A).

2 On each of the four corners, measure and mark out a square to the depth of your mattress, plus the 4cm seam allowance – in my case this was 19cm (B). This is to create your fitted corners. With right sides facing, bring the two marked lines of the square together to create a diagonal crease. Stitch down from the top corner of the square, following your marked lines, then trim the excess fabric (C and D). Repeat for all corners.

3 To create the casing for the elastic, just fold over enough of an allowance that you could fit a pen easily through. Stitch all the way around the sides, but leave an opening to slide the elastic in (E).

4 Using about 3 metres of elastic (I ended up having to join some), attach the end to something that can be threaded through the casing. For instance, knitting needles, empty biros, safety pins or a small screwdriver (F).

5 Start threading your elastic through the casing, pushing the gathers back as you go. Make sure the end of the elastic is secure and doesn’t disappear, as it will mean starting all over again. Either pin it or use a safety pin. Once it’s threaded all the way around, knot the ends (G) and stitch the opening closed. For added protection, stitch a line either side of the knotted elastic, just in case it breaks (H).

6 Slip the cover onto the mattress and balance it on something you can get good access to all the way around. Pour some of the varnish into a spray bottle and add some water to make it easier to use (image I). Spray all over the cover, using a brush to work it in (J and K). Give the seams on the corners extra attention. Repeat two or three times, letting each coat dry in between.

The post Weatherproof IKEA daybed hack for your outdoor space appeared first on Reclaim Magazine.