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How "The Four" created a unique Scottish style identity
Discover the hidden genius of Margaret Macdonald, the artist and mystical force who drove the Glasgow Style and defined Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s legacy.
ncraigw
Jun 269 min read


How Art Deco evolved from 1920s luxury to the 1930s: a Glaswegian perspective
Discover the hidden genius of Margaret Macdonald, the artist and mystical force who drove the Glasgow Style and defined Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s legacy.
ncraigw
May 295 min read


Margaret Macdonald: Mackintosh’s hidden soul of style
Discover the hidden genius of Margaret Macdonald, the artist and mystical force who drove the Glasgow Style and defined Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s legacy.
ncraigw
May 57 min read


Børge Mogensen and the democratisation of design
Børge Mogensen revolutionised Mid-Century Danish design by creating highly durable, functional, and affordable furniture intended for the everyday household rather than the exclusive elite. By championing honest, natural materials in iconic pieces like the J39 and Spanish Chair, his work established an everlasting character that actively defies today's disposable "fast furniture" culture.
ncraigw
Mar 245 min read


Beyond the Egg: the legacy of Arne Jacobsen art
Arne Jacobsen’s "Total Design" philosophy revolutionised Mid-Century Modernism, proving that an architect's rigorous eye could be applied to everything from towering buildings to domestic tableware. His iconic seating, such as the Egg and Swan chairs, provided an organic counterpoint to rigid architecture, while his lighting and Cylinda-line collections embraced absolute mathematical precision. Preserving these everlasting pieces today is an act of mindful stewardship, requir
ncraigw
Mar 46 min read


Restoration makes the best features even better
On my recent trip to the Donegal area I found a wild coastline where most of the houses had been upgraded and that left me wondering...
ncraigw
Jun 26, 20243 min read


Cost-effective furnishing in Glasgow: new vs. restored
This post provides useful and practical information for someone looking to furnish home by comparing new and restored furnishing items.
ncraigw
Jan 8, 20245 min read


Why choosing restored products reduces carbon footprint
How carbon footprint creation can be obtained from choosing restored products.
ncraigw
Dec 6, 20235 min read


Restoration Paintings by Libby Walker
I love working with local skilled artists and have done work in the past with Zoe of Tenetiles who produced amazing linocut prints of...
ncraigw
Nov 8, 20232 min read


Art Deco fireplaces: heating your home with style
Imagine stepping back into the 1930s every time you enter your living room. The grandeur, the elegance, and the unmistakable style of Art Deco, all captured within your fireplace. In this article, we'll explore the distinct components that make up an Art Deco fireplace, delve into its meticulous restoration process, and present you with exquisite second-hand options that are currently available in our shop. Whether you're an Art Deco enthusiast or simply interested in making
ncraigw
Oct 27, 20234 min read


Coffee Concept
Retail has to find new ways to attract customers to visit the store by making it more interactive and engaging. To date the concept has...
ncraigw
Oct 14, 20232 min read


Standen House: a legacy of sustainable design
Discover how Standen House's design principles offer lessons in sustainability for today's restoration.
ncraigw
Oct 3, 20236 min read


Design for our Future
Oversupply today and a Plan B After a trip to Standen House which was designed both interior and externally at the end of 19th century by...
ncraigw
Sep 29, 20233 min read


Second-hand furniture in Glasgow: gems for your home
Second-hand furniture items in Glasgow: the multiple advantages of choosing them.
ncraigw
Aug 29, 20234 min read


Vintage Bush radios: echoes from the past and… the present
Article describing the magic of Bush radios that, once restored, continue to bring joy and warm sound today.
ncraigw
Jul 13, 20235 min read


Make do and mend: sustainability lessons for today’s restoration
During the Second World War (WWII), when resources were scarce and the existing ones were substantially diverted to war effort, the...
ncraigw
Jun 29, 20234 min read


Furniture restoration: before and after, the magic unveiled
Stay tuned as we embark on a journey to witness the astonishing before-and-after transformations that will leave you in awe of the...
ncraigw
May 31, 20234 min read


The Scottish Thistle - which one ?
Kelvingrove Museum ran an exhibition called The Thistles of Scotland produced by my late mother Dr Agnes Walker. This is the booklet that...
ncraigw
May 16, 20232 min read


Revitalising Art Deco in Glasgow: a journey into antique restoration
Although its golden time was a century ago, Art Deco has left strong deep roots in Glasgow aesthetics. This influential design movement is not only evident in the city’s historic architecture but also in a fascinating realm of art known as antique restoration. Within this realm, Art Deco items that once had a purpose but have since fallen out of use are being meticulously revived and rejuvenated. In this captivating article, we embark on a journey to explore the enduring pres
ncraigw
May 12, 20235 min read


Workshop Progress 7th May 23
This week in the workshop we had a number of customers repairs and started work on some new items. The letterbox and large outside door...
ncraigw
May 7, 20232 min read
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