In current architectural hardware products there are a number of different bronze finishes available.

Imitation Bronze & Real Bronze Metal Antique Finishes

Imitation Bronze (IBMA) is not actually made from bronze, but is the result of applying a bronze powder to, in the majority of cases, a brass base. The end product is a deep, satuary bronze lustre. This type of bronze is made to produce a bronze look at a lower cost and as a result does not have the varying degree of finishing actual bronze does. The colour is often a darker, greyer finish, often with hints of plum in many lights. There are several manufacturers producing bronze produucts in this way and there is some variety between the colours of these manufacturers. Although some variation of colour is expected and encouraged with bronze, Shop 4 Handles staff have an intricate knowledge of the offerings of the UK market and can advise you to ensure you are getting products that don’t vary  to the extent they no longer compliment one another. Please give us a call today on 01344 876955 (UK) to discuss your requirements and receive free advice.

Real Bronze (RBMA) is the result of polished pieces of bronze going through a special process which rapidly oxidizes the surface. Over time and continued handling the oxidised layer will break down to reveal the polished bronze beneath. This is where the iridescent appeal of real bronze becomes apparent. We have suppliers of many products manufactured out of bronze made right here in the UK, including door handles, mortice knobs (which are very popular!), bolts and front door fittings such as letterplates and knockers. We can obtain almost any architectual ironmongery product in this finish, although most of it requires a little patience as it is often manufactured to order.

Polished Bronze & Rustic Bronze Finishes

Polished Bronze is the result of the real bronze material being highly polished after being sand-casted, in addition a protective wax coating is applied. In order to keep the bronze at its true brilliance regular polishing is required, although if  left it will oxidise and age gracefully.

Rustic Bronze is yet another type of bronze finish available and reflects bronze of times gone by. Using traditional cast bronze the effect is more rough and rustic and truly embodies the feel and look of yesteryear.

Some of the finest purveyors of bronze products are based in England. Frank Allart, Samuel Heath and Croft Architectural all offer a variety of ironmongery products in bronze finishes. If you are interested in any bronze products including door and window furniture please do not hesitate to contact us via email (sales@shop4handles.co.uk) or calling us on 01344 876 955 or freephone 0800 027 2470.

If you would like to see some of our designs in bronze, pop into our shop in Ascot, Berkshire, or give us a call if you can’t make it and need to see a sample.

Empire State & Chrysler Buildings

Art Deco was a hugely popular design movement in the 1920′s and 1930′s, which has also had a number of resurgences over the years. The design took many aspects from cubism and futurism and used geometric shapes, stepped forms and sweeping curves. Art Deco was seen to be glamorous, elegant, functional and modern. The influence of the Art Deco movement can be seen all over the world in architecture, interior design an industrial design, some prime examples include the Empire State and Chrysler building in New York city and the interior of the Queen Mary ocean liner.

Lever on backplate with Art Deco linear design

With such a huge influence on design it is not surprising that Art Deco can be found in architectural hardware products. At Shop4handles we are able to offer a number of products which feature typical Art Deco design.

Lever on rose with popular Art Deco stepped form design

Perhaps where the design is most evident is on lever handles. We have a number of brass, chrome and satin chrome levers on a rose and levers on backplate which all have outstanding Art Deco features.

Modern lever on rose with Art Deco cubic influence

In addition to lever handles there are  a number of other products available to compliment the Art Deco style, including those found in the Allart Deco range by British manufacturer Frank Allart. Although we are unable to offer their products on our online store as they are made to order and our prices are too low to print, we can supply any of their items on offer in that range, please feel free to contact us for more information.

A selection of the Art Deco range by Frank Allart

We can also offer several other products to suit such as the following products, please contact us with your requirements if you cannot find what you are looking for on our site.

Art Deco is just one of many period styles we are able to offer suites of door furniture to suit. If you are looking to compliment an interior style based on any period please call us for advice and information.

Finishes

Perhaps where Frank Allart really excel above the competition is in the range of finishes available. Whether you are looking to restore a property to its former glory or update it to a sylish modern specification, there is a finish available to provide the perfect end result. For the more traditional or period property there are a variety of brass and bronze finishes available including polished brass, satin brass, antique brass, imitation bronze, polished bronze, real bronze and rustic bronze. On the other hand if you are looking for a more modern contemporary style, Frank Allart offer a stunning array of finishes including polished chrome, satin chrome, polished nickel and satin nickel. In addition to the finishes listed, Frank Allart also offer a bespoke finishing service including gold plating and colour anodising.

Real Bronze finish from Frank Allart

Product Range

One of the most spectacular ranges available from Frank Allart is the Art Deco range, which as we all know was one of the livliest and stylish designs of the 20th century.

Art Deco Range

As well as the spectacular art deco range, Frank Allart also offer a number of traditional and modern designs throughout their range of lever handles, mortice knobs, front door furniture, window fittings and other architectural ironmongery products.

We sadly regret that due to our extremely competitive prices we are forbidden by Frank Allart to offer any of their products online. Also much of their range is bespoke and manufactured to order so it is best to check the time it will take before you place an order for their ironmongery. We can and do supply many of their products via mail order however, so if you have any questions or queries relating to any Frank Allart products please feel free to call us on our freefone number.