See our Movers & Shakers section for more makers I started of stripping pine doors and Georgian cast-iron fireplace inserts that I’d bought from a builder. I discovered I could sell them for quite a bit of money, and thought it wasn’t a bad living. Itwas 1992, and such a simple set-up –a rented lock-up with a caustic soda dipping tank. I fell in love with the whole restoration process and things quickly took off, so I upgraded to a shop on Essex Road in Islington. By a stroke of luck, the largest antique fireplace dealer in the country was moving in three doors away. I learned a lot from them. When our current showroom came on the market in 1995, I was desperate for more space. The building was a wreck, so needed a complete refurbishment and, back then, Shoreditch was a no man’s land, but I couldn’t have chosen a better location to expand the operation. I’d accrued quite a collection of period fireplaces from all over Europe to fill the huge space (the basement under the showroom is also packed with pieces, which spill over into a studio warehouse next door). Gradually, I built up a team of experts and we started doing house visits as well, restoring old fireplaces to their original glory. We soon obtained approval to work on listed buildings, and teamed up with interior design companies on period houses for Grosvenor Estate in Mayfair, The Howard de Walden Estate in Marylebone and The Bedford Estates in Bloomsbury. Once our fireplaces are showcased in properties such as these, they sell themselves. I saw a niche in the market for handmade fireplaces, with immaculate carving and details, that were indistinguishable from the originals. Clients also asked for an aged effect, so we started developing our own techniques for doing this. Then, ten years ago, I moved into lighting after getting hold of some Baccarat crystal chandeliers that everyone was clamouring to buy. I’m good at spotting trends, as I see so many fabulous houses and always take the time to talk to the interior designers; I learn so much this way. When I’m abroad, I find inspiration wherever I go, from a monastery in Italy to an old Citroen factory in France. Gilbert & George are also a big influence. I travel all over Europe searching for unique and interesting fireplaces, reclaimed lighting and architectural salvage. I take a trip abroad once a month, usually for three days. Angelo Attanasio, who has worked for me for 22 years, goes around all the markets buying up old components of fireplaces, which he then sends to Italy to have moulds made. First, we take a high-definition photograph, then make up a mould. A wooden box is prepared, the fireplace is put inside, then a silicone rubber compound is poured in to fill every nook and cranny. All the stages of the ageing process take about a week – remember, an original may have had hundreds of years of wear, with corners eroded and areas rubbed smooth. People wrongly believe that we use tea, but all I’m going to reveal is that dentist’s tools are involved. With fireplaces and furnishings, my general rule is to match architectural pieces to the period of the property you live in. Personally, I love ornate Georgian fireplaces best. Every morning starts in the same way – I take my Labradoodle, Maggie, for a walk in the park. After this, no two days are the same. Generally, we look at the job sheets, load the vans and off go the fitters. I spend around half of my time in the shop, and usually meet clients on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I finish at about 5pm, and by 5.30pm, I’ve got my feet up on the sofa – it takes me 30 seconds to get home from work, as I live above the showroom. My advice to myself is never to fall in love with items in the collection because at some point someone will want to purchase them – lots of people end up coming upstairs and buying my favourite pieces from my flat. Renaissance, 193/195 City Road, London EC1V 1JN, 020 7251 8844, renaissancelondon.com.
