Posted 24th November 2017 by
In the small town of Hingham, South Norfolk is Mongers Architectural Salvage. As you arrive in the spacious and stylish Georgian market place and stop outside the attractive timber fronted shop, that is just one of Mongers showrooms, you might think that you were visiting a small provincial antique and curio business; but first impressions are deceptive. Behind the modest façade is an extensive premises housing a host of fascinating salvaged and architectural items.
Recent extensions into adjacent buildings mean that Mongers now have over 3,500 sq ft of space, displaying everything from a large selection of brass door furniture to period entranceways, stone columns, staircases etc. In fact, Mongers have stocks of doors, stained glass and leaded windows, fireplaces and accessories, sanitaryware, flooring and timber, and garden antiques set in their yard showrooms and landscaped garden.
Yet, unlike many yards these days Mongers do not believe in stocking reproduction items and apart from a few sets of door furniture and a range of iron latches hinges etc handmade by the local blacksmith, all their stock is genuine reclaimed or antique. Instead they pride themselves on their expertise and the quality of their restoration. Sam Coster, who started the company in 1997, explains:
If you expect people to part with good money for reclaimed items, then the least we can do is make sure that it is fit for purpose. I have, with the help of some talented staff, developed some restoration techniques for taps, radiators, and cisterns etc that really work and look amazing.
Their radiators, which can be supplied in a variety of really beautiful finishes, have new fittings to take modern plumbing sizes, are as good as new. Although Sam claims that they are better, you can not buy a new cast radiator of this quality, and our thorough testing of these mean that we can give genuine guarantees. All our customers need to do is plumb them into your heating system, and, our prices, we believe, are as competitive as anyone else around
Their stunning polished cast high level cisterns, for sale at £285, have been delivered throughout Europe. Their taps, again described by Sam as better than most new taps on the market, are gleaming in brass, nickel or chrome. Restored baths, from £650 finished come with a 2 year guarantee, an option to paint the exterior in any colour and free delivery to many locations. The many fireplaces on display are from all eras, carefully finished in black or polish, and ready to use. Associated surrounds in marble, wood and slate are also skilfully restored in their workshops.