[huge_it_share]Nick Smith from Smithers of Stamford meet’s Money for Nothing and Sarah Moore for the first time in 2015 and is looking forward to our first time on BBC 1 Television.
Good afternoon one and all, I thought I’d enjoy the afternoon sun and take the man cave alfresco but having just nearly put my back out moving the oil drum furniture outdoors, I no longer look quite as sophisticated as previously imagined. James Bond dapper fails me once again.Regardless, the sun is shining, there’s a cold cider on the desk with my name on it and if I try really hard I can almost ignore the lingering smell of cow shit from the neighbouring field. Almost.
I hope you’re enjoying these Summer months – I can’t quite believe it’s August already. Mr S (a.k.a Mr Scrooge) has even been thinking Christmassy (is that a word?!) thoughts, which could be something to do with some really cool retro gifts that will be available for St Nick (not the fat fella in the red suit – me – strangely charismatic man in knackered jeans and Spidey T-shirt) to deliver in time for the big day, but more likely by the fact our good friends have invited the Smithers brood for a right festive feast at Christmas and I’m salivating already.
I diverse. July has been as busy as ever, but one absolute highlight for me was setting my eyes upon quite possibly the coolest sofa I have ever seen. The Acid Sofa – a whole new level of amazing restoration.
Designed and restored by Anthony Devine in Manchester, this unique piece will soon be appearing on the brand new tv show, Money For Nothing BBC I’ll explain more in a mo.
Over a week, Anthony tore up the original worn out sofa to expose the internal materials and springs. He then spray painted at will and photographed the beautifully battered sofa.
Only a talented artist would think to have those photographs produced into a bespoke digitally printed fabric that would reupholster the restored sofa, but that’s exactly what Anthony did! Such a simple idea, yet so brilliantly done. The springs and inner materials have all been replaced, so along with the awesome digitally printed fabric, the result is one totally original sofa that’s dead comfy, ready to rock and screams imagination at its best.
The more I look, the more I love. Luckily for you, we like to spread the love and we’re uber chuffed to inform you that The acid Unique Sofa is available to buy from Smithers. A sofa with a TV appearance under its belt that will only add to its owners value?! I love it even more.
As previously mentioned, Smithers has recently been involved with the team behind the new BBC show Money For Nothing which is due to air on BBC1 in September. Money For Nothing is a new programme showcasing the talents and skills of a new breed of designer-makers.
Sarah Moore, writer, presenter and passionate user of second hand stuff has rescued an array or items from recycling centres throughout the UK and commissioned a cast of uniquely talented artisans to transform them from soon-to-be cash.
Their challenge is to reinvent materials destined to be dumped into innovative, ingenious and sustainable designs – and all for a tidy profit. As well you know, Smithers are big believers in recycling, up cycling and salvaging items destined for the scrap yard and breathing new life into them.
I’m hoping Money For Nothing will help raise awareness about just how easy it can be to transform a tired item into a totally unique vintage lighting. It’s environmentally friendly and will add something to your space that you will never be able to buy on the High St.
Recycling industrial pieces is by far my favourite and will guarantee a truly urban feel to your living space, but it’s more than that.
Styles one thing but the blood, sweat, tears, toil, creativity, talent, imagination and occasional swear word that goes into reclaimed wood furniture makes them priceless in value. You can’t buy history and the sense of achievement and pride is worth every goddam ounce of effort and pain.
I get that not everybody has the time, imagination or inclination to recycle for themselves – but at least buy one salvaged item (preferably from Smithers!) and see if it doesn’t add something a little bit special to your space. Prove me wrong. I’m never wrong. Unless Kim says so of course!
Two of my favourite recycled items are our BBC1 Boombox and Levi Denim Armchair. Obviously I’ve been banging on about our range of Boomcase suitcase all Summer (have you got one yet? If not, why not?!) but the BBC1 Boombox is just amazing. Found in the BBC studios and dating back to the 1940’s, this box encapsulates a great piece of British history.
I wonder how many stars have wandered passed it? If only it could talk. Well it may not be able to talk but it does make one almighty noise! Renovated to our usual exceptional standard, this vintage suitcase is now one of our most sort after Boomboxes. Docking stations don’t come any quirkier than this.
What better way to enjoy the sweet sounds emitting from your Boombox than from the comfort of Smithers Denim Armchair. Yves Saint Laurent once famously quoted “I wish I had invented blue jeans: the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity – all I hope for in my clothes.”
I wonder what he’d make of our recycled jean funky chair? Spectacular? Practical? Relaxed? Sexy? I think so. This salvaged chair is made from only the very best Levi’s have to offer – 501’s!! Upcycled from vintage denim, our wing backed chair has just the right amount of Americana cool. I don’t know anybody who doesn’t love this chair – it’s the best conversation piece I’ve seen in a long time.
Me and Mrs S have got a few busy weeks coming up, which are thankfully commencing with a very messy weekend in Brighton – beer, beach, cider, pavilion, beer, shopping, cider, cocktails… you get the idea! I’ve also recently made the big boy decision to sell my beloved Porsche.
I’m not sure if it’s brave or stupid, but I’m one busy fella now and it’s an expensive boys toy just to sit on my drive. Best not to call Smithers the day it goes – may not be able to speak for the almighty lump in my throat.
The next time I write, I’m glad to say it will nearly be back to school time and considering my son Teddie thought it would be a good idea to kick my Boombox speaker suitcase in last week, that can only be seen as a bloody good thing! Never mess with a mans speakers – the profanities take on a whole new level!!
Until next time my friends, Keep cool – and RECYCLE!!
Mr Smithers.
Ps Update money for nothing bbc is starting again this July 2016 be there or be square.[huge_it_share]