Period Plating

[LadyArowana]

One of my missions on my current trip to London was to have an old jam spoon replated, it was a family piece and I thought it would be nice to return it to service. I wasn't exactly hopeful of finding somewhere nearby that was interested in such a tiny job, but after a phone call to a place in Islington I headed off in their direction. A little workshop hidden away in a non descript industrial building in one of the grittier parts of the capital. The chap was absolutely delightful, said it was no problem at all to pop it in with his "smalls", and all being well I get to pick it up Monday. It's so nice to find people who are still involved in trades that involve repairing and re-using old things rather than just chucking them away and buying a new one. Sadly I don't have anything else at the moment that needs his services, but worth knowing it can be done if I see anything in the future that is beautiful but "past it's best" in terms of finish. Results later.................

 

[Nigel Watts]

a place in Islington ....... one of the grittier parts of the capital

I've heard Islington described in many different ways over the years, but never "gritty".

 

[LadyArowana]

a place in Islington ....... one of the grittier parts of the capital

I've heard Islington described in many different ways over the years, but never "gritty".

It wasn't the nice bit going towards where you are, involved walking the other way from Angel, maybe it wasn't even Islington any more! ..... and to be fair after Singapore most parts of our capital seem fairly "gritty", give me a few days I will get used to the litter, bits of graffiti and homeless people.

 

[Moo]

Well, don't end the story there, milady. Some of us may also have bits of epns that could do with a bit of refreshment.
Name and address, please!

 

[jocelyn plummer]

My sentiments exactly Moo! Lady Arowana, what a brilliant find! Looking forward to hearing the result and the address :!:

 

[Flyfisher]

A little workshop hidden away in a non descript industrial building in one of the grittier parts of the capital. The chap was absolutely delightful, said it was no problem at all to pop it in with his "smalls", and all being well I get to pick it up Monday. It's so nice to find people who are still involved in trades that involve repairing and re-using old things rather than just chucking them away and buying a new one.

What would be really encouraging is if the chap in question was a youngster. It often seems to be the case that such places are run by a lovely 'old boy' who has a lifetime of experience from having seen and done it all but cannot tempt suitable apprentices into the business and, ultimately, keep them going.

I know of three such examples of an electrical repair workshop, a gunmaker (well, a 'stocker' actually) and a spring-maker where the business was wound up when the owner retired because there was no one interested in continuing it. The spring making business was particularly unique and they made all manner of specialist springs from radio whip aerials for Marconi to toilet lid retaining springs on navy submarines. It was based in a small workshop in Tottenham (north London) and was actually run by the founder's son for a while but he wasn't keen on the area and the final straw was arriving at work one Monday morning to find bullet holes in his windows, so he closed up and moved out.

 

[LadyArowana]

He wasn't an "old boy" at all, not a pimply yoof but youngish All being well I should be able to collect on Monday and I will give you an update then. The thing was in fairly sad condition, the silver had gone entirely from the bowl of the spoon and only traces remained in some other places. What was also nice was that I said that it really wouldn't be worth bothering with except for the history and he was of the opinion that it was good to salvage things, which might just be sales talk as that's his business, but it's a welcome change to find that attitude.

 

[Nigel Watts]

I know of ... a spring-maker where the business was wound up

An occupational hazard I guess.

 

[Flyfisher]

Where is the :groan: smiley when needed?

 

[Flyfisher]

He wasn't an "old boy" at all, not a pimply yoof but youngish All being well I should be able to collect on Monday and I will give you an update then. The thing was in fairly sad condition, the silver had gone entirely from the bowl of the spoon and only traces remained in some other places. What was also nice was that I said that it really wouldn't be worth bothering with except for the history and he was of the opinion that it was good to salvage things, which might just be sales talk as that's his business, but it's a welcome change to find that attitude.

Well that's an encouraging story. Good for him. I must try harder to be less cynical, though I fear it's an ageing thing.

 

[LadyArowana]

Where is the :groan: smiley when needed?

 

[JoceAndChris]

I bet the spoon is going to be really happy to be brought back into use! Piccies please.

 

[JoceAndChris]

a place in Islington ....... one of the grittier parts of the capital

I've heard Islington described in many different ways over the years, but never "gritty".

It wasn't the nice bit going towards where you are, involved walking the other way from Angel, maybe it wasn't even Islington any more! ..... and to be fair after Singapore most parts of our capital seem fairly "gritty", give me a few days I will get used to the litter, bits of graffiti and homeless people.

It is pretty shockingly scruffy even in the relatively smart bits!

 

[LadyArowana]

I collected my spoon and it is now really lovely and definately worthy of it's cut glass and silver jam pot! I had also noticed a small, ornamental I presume, cannon in the workshop when I was first there, and had mentioned it to a friend with 2 small boys who like anything military. So when I went back I asked if I could take a picture for them. The chap thought that was great fun and took the trouble to put the pieces together and wheel the thing out into a space for a good view. A most excellent experience, so if anyone needs their cannon polishing or their spoons plating then pop down and see JB .... well, I assume he's JB as the place is called http://www.jbplating.com/ Nearest station Angel on the Northern Line ( and yes, I do realise that's not necessarily helpful to anyone checking in from outside London ).

 

[JoceAndChris]

Sweet little spoon! So glad that all turned into a lovely experience.


(and I do hope we see some more little treasures on our day out tomorrow!)

 

[LadyArowana]

Sweet little spoon! So glad that all turned into a lovely experience.


(and I do hope we see some more little treasures on our day out tomorrow!)

If I start looking at a cannon I shall rely on you to be the guiding voice of reason.... although I expect you would want first dibs anyway :lol: