Well we are finally in possession of our new location in London. Although everything is painted it is still a long way to getting everything set up. The sign has gone up and we have many fingerprints on the windows of people looking to see what is happening. We had the electricians in to set up the extra receptacles we require for our future lighting and we now have a great sink installed for cleaning our brushes. Each day we bring a little bit more to the store and set things up. The following are some of the pictures I have taken so far.

As we bring items we have sent up an area in the store under the main chandelier in the centre of the store. Building code requires some lighting to be on all the time. We have installed this chandelier with LED lighting. This chandelier has 12 bulbs which could be up to what we used to call 60 watts per bulb. With the LED bulbs we use a fraction of the energy (5 watts per bulb), yet the amount of light output (lumens) is almost the same. This means we use 1/12th the amount of energy that normally would have been used. As the overall philosophy of Stan Portleys is being environmentally responsible we feel that this meets that goal. Also note in the
vignette by the chandelier some of our recent projects.

We also along with renewing antique and vintage furniture actually make items our of old reclaimed building materials. Our front counter was made from old 2 inch thick exterior doors. A base was installed with the doors and the top is made from strips of pine laminated together to make what looks like a butcher block top. This had originally been at the back of our Port Stanley store but had been stored in the barn at Roberts Line for the last few years. We are excited that we could give it a new prominate home in the new London location. Note some of the other items in the window display. The two plant stands Bobbie did with a two colour scheme with Patina (gray) underneath a Halo (white) over coat. Bobbie lightly distressed them to show the gray beneath. The sofa table with the fish shaped jugs on top (gurgle jugs, I will tell you more about these latter) was done with Buttah (yellow) and a Pantina overcoat. On this one Bobbie distressed it so that the Buttah showed through but also some of the original wood. This is an absolutely gorgeous piece. The long oval occasional table was done with a single coat of Cashmere and again Bobbie distressed this to show some of the original wood beneath.

This next picture shows a chair that has a needlepoint covered seat that has been renewed. Note the round occasional table. This one was done in Muse. Also to the side see a large framed blackboard. We recycle many of the old frames we get in box lots into chalkboards or mirrors.

Well that is it for now. I will send more in a couple of days as we get things done. Till then have a joyous holiday.
John Robinson – Master Craftsman and Proprietor for – Stan Portleys – Timeless and Unique