Vacation to London continues with Martin Pierce Custom Hardware

We bid a fond farewell to Bob and Carrie in Pembridge and travelled on to Leicester where we ditched the rental car and took the train into St. Pancras station.  We stayed in Russell Square at a reasonably priced and well run hotel overlooking Russell Square and the park. It has been many years since I  spent much time in London.  In my mid 20’s all my energy was spent either at my dark, light deprived office or on foot walking briskly to avoid the cold and rain.  This time we had lovely sunshine, good walking shoes and the “tube” ,or  underground, that we could use at non-peak times, allowing us to see a lot of the city.

On our first day we went in search of the Gherkin building.  We have seen pictures of this amazing building in magazines but really needed to see it in person and we found it to be an inspiring piece of contemporary architecture.  The Gherkin was built in 2004 and is an impressive 41 story  skyscraper.

We then headed to the south side of the Thames Rivers in search of the Shard building,  so nicknamed due to its unique shape, and was recently dubbed the tallest building in Europe.    We found it to be another inspiring piece of contemporary architecture.  We visited this building just a few days before Prince Andrew abseiled down the face of it to raise funds for Outward Bound Trust and the Royal Marines Charitable Trust.  You can read more about that story here.   

For more information on our products, view our complete line of custom hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Georgian Architecture: a design history lesson from Martin Pierce hardware

In the past couple of posts I have mentioned the beautiful and abundant Georgian architecture that can be found throughout England.  Examples of this included St. Mary's church in Ross-on-wye and also St. Anne's in our hometown of Worcester. The popularity of this architectural style spanned two centuries from the early eighteenth century to the mid-nineteenth century.  It is named after the first four British "Georges" i.e. George the first, George the second etc., etc.,  all monarchs from the House of Hanover who reigned from 1740 to 1830.   Characteristics of this very English architecture include:

• A centered paneled front door
• A simple box shape with either one or two stories
• Multi-paned windows
• Cornices with dentil work detailing
• Chimneys on both sides of the home
• Dormer windows on the upper floor
• Symmetrical arrangements of windows and doors

The old truly meets the new in this photo of the new Gherkin building in London fronted by ancient buildings in the foreground, some of which feature prime examples of Georgian architecture.

To view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.

Martin Pierce Hardware vacation to England

While the memories are still fresh in our minds we thought we would share a bit more of our recent return to England. In our previous post we shared photos and tidbits of our hometown, Worcester.  In spite of what Thomas Wolff wrote, we discovered you really can return home.  For more details check out the post here.

After an enjoyable walk down memory lane we moved on to the neighboring county of Hereford where Martin's brother Bob and his wife live in Pembridge with their two dogs. Pembridge is a very quaint “black and white” village so described for the timber framed buildings that date back over 800 hundred years. It sits on the River Arrow, a tranquil river that is much smaller than the Severn that runs through Worcester.

Bob suggested a day trip to the nearby market town of Ross-On-Wye.  This pretty little town continues to hold 2 weekly markets at the Market House which is a plain sandstone building dating back to 1650.   Today's market features less livestock and wool and more locally grown fruits and vegetables along with wonderful artisan cheeses. The town also has it's own fair share of Georgian architecture and a lovely old church, St. Mary’s that is about 700 years old.

Alas, one of our best day trips was the day Martin forgot to take either his ipad or camera. We attended the Kington Show where we saw pedigreed Hereford cattle, Ryeland Sheep, Suffolk Sheep and variety of endangered old breed cattle and sheep. There is strong support and respect for these older breeds that are part of the local heritage.

The show also featured a fun horse and buggy race known as a scuttling race in which 2 small ponies pull a buggy with 2 passengers (one to drive the buggy and one there just for balance, a bit like sailing).  You can visit their site to learn more about these unusual races.

For more information on our products, view our complete line of custom hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

It's back to work with Martin Pierce Hardware

We have returned from our trip to England and are attempting to recover from the inevitable jetlag that is the result of traveling through so many time zones.  That being said, all in all it was a wonderful trip that took us back to places we have not been in over twenty years.  Was it Thomas Wolff who said "You can't go home again"?  In this case I must say he might be wrong.

Martin and I were both born in Worcester city. As a child I couldn’t stand the place and dreamed of faraway glamorous cities and the south of England so when I was 18 I escaped to Brighton where I attended Sussex University. Martin and I had met that summer and he was brave enough to leave Worcester with me (much to his mother’s annoyance). 

We have both been guilty of making disparaging remarks about Worcester since we left but this was the trip that turned us around. We treated ourselves to a decent stay at the Whitehouse Hotel directly opposite the Merchant Building and Hop Market.  Martin used to have a very small studio inside this building and we would meet here often when while we were dating. 

 Besides being known for Worcestershire sauce and sadly the recently closed Worcester Porcelain works, the city was also well known for the growing and distribution of hops, key in a country where beer is one of  the favored beverages.

We spent a couple of days in Worcester checking out the exquisite Georgian, Victorian and Tudor architecture, all of which I had until now taken for granted.

Worcester city has also become pedestrianized which has vastly improved not only the pedestrian life but also the lung experience!

We also are lucky to have a flourishing community of Swans on the river Severn. They are extremely powerful, beautiful and, thanks to a Royal Charter, protected birds .

Hmmmm....maybe a swan door knocker?

For more information on ou products, view our complete line of custom hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Summer's end at Martin Pierce Hardware

Can you believe it?  Another summer has come to an end and the first day of fall is just one day away, September 22nd.  While many of us usually associate the first day of fall with things not weather or science related, like chunky sweaters, crisp apple pie and cozy fires, the autumnal equinox is actually a reference to the day of the year when day and night hours are equal at 12 hours each.  As we all know, each day gets shorter from that moment on until the winter solstice takes place.  But enough about weather and science, we are just ready to enjoy the change of seasons.  Good bye to the relaxing and warm days of summer and summer decorating:

And hello to the autumnal equinox and fall decorative changes:

To view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.

Winged things from Martin Pierce Custom Hardware

You do not have to be an ornithologist to appreciate the beauty of nature and all the winged things that occupy your neighborhood.  As summer draws to an end you will most likely notice that your local birds are leaving for warmer climates.  Aren't they smart!  You can continue to enjoy all the winged creatures with a simple switch of hardware in your home or business.  Take a look at what has taken up residence at Martin Pierce Custom Hardware:

If you live in Southern California then you are certainly aware of the return of the swallows every year at the Mission at San Juan Capistrano.  Martin captured this delicate little bird in his swallow pull that will certainly enhance the decor of local businesses as well as a private residence.

While our woodpecker door knocker might be a bit tongue in cheek it is certainly a unique way for your guests or customers to announce their arrival.

Pet stores, the local zoo or a specialty design boutique will appreciate our realistic bat pull.  Not to mention any little boy who delights in the creepy crawly!

All of the pieces you see here are available in our Animal collection.  To view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.

Martin Pierce's inspiring vacation

We are currently on vacation in England for a couple of weeks and enjoying the opportunity to visit family and friends as it has been quite some time since we have returned home. It is a well-known fact that England is known for her beautiful gardens and magnificent countryside.  This lush countryside has always provided inspiration for Martin's work.  In fact, one of our favorite collections, the Hedgerow line, was inspired by the lovely bushes and trees that line the roads here in England.

If you would like to add just a touch of English garden design to your home decor, might we suggest a new addition to your front door with the Hedgerow entryway lever:

Something as seemingly simple as a door knob can alter the look and feel of any space.

Our commercial clients can add that unique touch that sets them apart from the competition with beautiful fixtures and hardware that their discriminating clients have come to expect.  Spas, nursing homes, luxury hotels and exclusive boutiques will enjoy not only the Hedgerow hardware line but the accompanying items that include coat hooks,soap dishes, towel racks and the ever important tissue holder.

We hope to return from England rested and refreshed and full of inspiring ideas from our trip.  Where do you find your creative inspiration?

For more information on these new products, view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

5 easy ways to update your outdoor entry for fall

Autumn is a time to settle back into familiar and comforting routines and to enjoy the anticipation of the months ahead.  What better time to update your outdoor entry than during the fall months when the air is cooler and the days are just a bit shorter.  Here are a few quick ideas that can be accomplished during these shorter days.

1. One of the easiest ways to update your outdoor entry is with new door hardware.  Take a look at your existing hardware.  Is it pitted, tarnished or simply out of date?  If so, add some hardware with a bit of personality or in a new finish that can update the entire look. 

   

 2.  Paint is always an easy fix.  Go for something eye-catching like a bright red door or something a bit more sophisticated such as glossy black  or cool gray.   This color can be used on both the front door and any surrounding molding or window trim for a unified look.

 3.  Something as simple as a new doormat can work wonders.  Choose a beautifully monogrammed mat to welcome guests or something purely functional such as a coir mat that will catch the dirt and debris before it enters your home.

 4.  Add some life to your entry with the introduction of flowering and/or evergreen plants.  These plants can be switched out with the seasons by replacing last summer's daisies with colorful mums, for example.

 5.  It is amazing what a simple broom can do to turn an ordinary outdoor entry into an inviting greeting for your guests.  Sweep away all the dust and dirt and don't forget those pesky cobwebs that form under the light fixture or around the door and window frames.  Don't overlook the door itself.  It could probably use a good dusting every now and then as well.

For more information on these new products, view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Back to school with Martin Pierce Hardware

It's back to school time.  Beginning Tuesday, September 4th, kids all over the country will be returning to class so what better time for a design history lesson. There are design motifs that repeat themselves century after century.  Take for example, the fleur de lis, greek key or rosette designs that have inspired many an artist, architect or designer.  Here is just a brief description and history of these well-known motifs.

• Greek key:  The Greek key is a meandering pattern of both vertical and horizontal lines that repeat themselves as a border.  Our Fiddlehead pulls also feature a meandering design on the stem that was certainly inspired by nature. This very popular pattern is often used as trim on fabric and rugs or as an architectural design on a building. 
• Fleur de lis:  Loosely translated, fleur de lis means flower of the lily in french.  With it's somewhat regal appearance, the fleur de lis has appeared on many royal coats of arms but has also been associated with military status, as a religious symbol and was even used to identify slaves during the 16th and 17th century. This simple design has adorned many buildings throughout the centuries as well as artwork, home accessories, fabric and hardware.
• Rosette:  The rosette is a round, stylized flower design that, as the name implies, was inspired by the natural shape of flowers.  It often appears in architectural designs and is used in metal working and other artistic applications especially where two lines of metal, concrete or other materials intersect.  Other uses include military insignias, jewelry design and sculpture.  Check out our entire collection of Flora design hardware pieces that might have been inspired by the simple rosette design.

If you look closely at an old building, sculptural piece or other type of art you will most likely see one of these motifs used in some form or another.  It just proves that good taste never goes out of style.

For more information on these new products, view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Martin Pierce Custom Hardware: You won't need any bugspray for these critters

Bugs and other garden critters are one of those things you either love or you hate.  But there is nothing creepy about our hardware collection of bugs, butterflies, bees and the occasional frog or lizard.  This lizard pull from our Animal collection would delight any budding young scientist in your family or add an unexpected greeting to the entryway of your nursery or pet shop business.

Our bright and shiny frog pull is always a popular giveaway in our HD Expo booth every year. 

Ancient Egyptians used the scarab beetle as amulets that represented many different Gods, earth cycles etc.  We have designed both a large and small scarab beetle pull that can be incorporated into the interior of your home or business.

If you have visited Hawaii or other tropical areas you are very familiar with the friendly geckos that can be found everywhere.  Relive those pleasant vacation memories with our Gecko pull.

For more information on these new products, view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Are the leaves falling where you live?

I know it is a bit early to be asking that question but can you believe that fall is less than one month away?  The air will be turning crisp, the days will get shorter and leaves will begin to turn color and fall to the ground; even here in Southern California. Nature has always provided inspiration for Martin's custom hardware designs and leaves are no exception.  Here are some of our hardware pieces that celebrate leaves of all types.

A sweet and simple pear leaf drawer pull adds interest to any piece of furniture or cabinetry.

Wine harvest occurs in late summer and early fall and you can almost hear the corks popping when you look at our beautiful vine pull from our Grapevine collection.  

You can almost feel the leaves rustling beneath your feet when you look at our oak and sycamore leaf pulls.

What is your favorite type of leaf and are the leaves falling where you live yet?

For more information on these new products, view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Besides the weather, what's hot at Martin Pierce Custom Hardware?

It is no secret that is is HOT in Southern California!  Not the best weather to be firing new products.  Fortunately for us, we have several hot products that are being requested by you:

Our Grapevine collection is very popular right now.  Could it have anything to do with all the wine coolers people are drinking to stay cool? This grapevine entry set lets all who enter your home or business know that there is something special behind those doors.  Pulls and door levers are also available.

One of our favorites, and yours as well, is our Hedgerow collection.  This design was inspired by all the beautiful hedges and bushes that thrive in our Native England and may serve to remind people of all the cool and relaxing fields that can be found there.  The collection includes both hardware and unique bespoke furniture pieces such as this Hedgerow chair used in the guest suites of the Four Seasons Hotel, Jackson Hole Wyoming.

For more information on these new products, view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Limited Edition hardware series at Martin Pierce

Isn't it wonderful to know that you own something that no one else owns?  Perhaps it is a piece of art or a treasured antique.  Or, in the case of a limited edition, you and a few select people are privileged to own a specific item.  Well, we are excited to say that it is now possible to own beautiful custom hardware from the new limited edition series at Martin Pierce. We are not new to the idea of limited edition pieces.  In fact, our Aspen Buffet with a limit of 30 pieces, of which 20 have sold, has been popular as has our vine series with a limit of 100 (76 have sold). 

We are now offering the large vine door handle in a limited edition of 100.  Two of these signed and numbered pieces of "functional art" have already sold with the help of LaForce Decorative Hardware in Madison Wisconsin.  We have shared the creative process of this piece from design drawing to pouring of the mold to actual functional item and are now ready to release this to 100 discriminating home and business owners.  As you can see, the incredible detail and thought that has gone into this design makes this a very special piece.  Look closely and you will spot several critters and knot holes among the leaves and vines.

For more information on these new products, view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Feng Shui of shapes found at Martin Pierce Custom Hardware

Many of us are already familiar with the impact the use of the art of feng shui can have on our lives trough the use of certain colors, placement of items and nature's elements of water, fire, wood,earth and metal.  But did you know that certain shapes can also affect the "feeling" of a room? According to feng shui experts, each of the five elements of feng shui have a coordinating shape.  For example, if you are trying to introduce the element of water into your space and are having difficulty adding a fountain or other water element, try a wavy shape to the room.  This can be in the form of artwork, fabric patterns or door and drawer hardware such as those found in our Ergo collection.  The beauty and simplicity of this design can certainly bring tranquility to any room in your home or business.

The exciting fire element can be introduced through the use of triangular shapes.  Try our Bamboo pull with its triangular shaped leaves or the unique and unusual conical pull from the Textured collection.

The element of metal can be found in round shapes that are present in many of our designs.  Round door knobs and pulls in luxurious bronze metal is an easy way to add  both a round and metal element to your spaces.

The earth element correlates to square shapes and wood to rectangular shapes.  Along with our readily available collections, custom pieces can be created to meet your exacting needs.  Who knows, the ancient art of feng shui just might change the look and feel of your space so isn't it worth a try?

For more information on these new products, view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Let the sun shine in with Martin Pierce custom window trim

It is always fun to design new products for use in today's businesses and homes much like the new window trim products we are now offering. We recently completed a custom project for Tim Folger of Folger and Burt Architectural Hardware where we designed and created custom window trim in a scaled down version of our Willow design collection. (the actual locking mechanisms were made by Kolbe Doors)

Spurred on by the success of this piece we are in the process of designing a window trim that will coordinate with our popular Ergo collection of custom hardware.  Who knows what the future holds?

For more information on these new products, view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

The dog days of summer at Martin Pierce Hardware

The dog days of summer have certainly arrived at Martin Pierce Hardware. The work days are a bit more relaxed and Iris is enjoying her morning walks and cooling off with naps in the grass.  Do you ever wonder what the phrase "dog days of summer" actually means?  As with many rituals and phrases, it began in ancient times when the hot and uncomfortable days of July and August were blamed on the brightest star in the sky, Sirius or the dog star.  Now you know.

August for us means more time to spend in the garden, throwing open the french doors and enjoying the fresh air and the occasional cocktail on the front porch.  And, since we are English, sharing afternoon tea with friends.

To keep Iris excited we often head down to Beachwood Canyon and spend time with neighbors, especially those with dogs.  How do you enjoy spending your dog days of summer?

To view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Going for the gold...or bronze metal at Martin Pierce Hardware

"Going for the gold" is the ultimate goal during these summer Olympics, but here at Martin Pierce Custom Hardware we prefer "going for the bronze" metal.   We offer a beautiful hand-rubbed bronze finish as well as a hot patina bronze finish.  Both of these finishes will develop a patina over time depending on use, environment and the natural nature of the metal.  Many of our products are available in both bronze finishes, making it possible for you to find the perfect metal knobs, levers and pulls for your home or business.

To view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Turning art into functional hardware at Martin Pierce Custom Hardware

As you browse the local hardware store or the internet have you ever wondered how those beautiful and sculptural door levers and knobs are created?  We thought we would share the basic process of turning art into hardware with you so you can see what goes into the making of what appears to be a "simple" door knob. Martin is inspired by everything around him from a row of lovely bushes to one of nature's critters to the characters in a science fiction movie!  At Martin Pierce Custom Hardware the process of creating a new piece begins with an idea that soon becomes a lovely sketch of Martin's.  I have always believed these sketches were worth framing!

Once Martin is satisfied with the design he begins to carve it into a piece of wax to create a wax mold.  At Martin Pierce we use the lost wax method that basically means the wax mold is created and covered with a shell.  Molten steel is pured into the wax mold, which then melts away or is "lost", leaving a steel mold.  This method allows the amazing detail of Martin's designs to show through.

The end result is a one of a kind yet functional piece of hardware that is actually artwork for your home  and can be enjoyed for years to come.

What's new at Martin Pierce Hardware

We have been working hard on several different projects here at Martin Pierce Custom Hardware and thought it would be a good idea to offer frequent and brief updates on these products for those clients looking for specific information.  We have added a "Latest News" column to the site that appears on our home page.  Simply click the icon for the latest update.  Here is a sample of what you will see: July 20, 2012

Today we are announcing our first limited edition with the introduction of a new Grapevine Heroic Door Pull. We will be adding more details and photos of this piece over the next few weeks. We can tell you that the edition will be limited to 100 pieces and that each piece will be signed and numbered.

June 28, 2012

We have spent some time re-thinking the design and have concluded that we do not need to use a thrust bearing and have re-designed the hinge as can been seen below in this drawing of a 4 x 4 leaf design.

As you can see, these announcements are brief and to the point....no fancy words or pretty pictures (although I do think Martin's drawings are quite impressive).  For regular updates delivered to your inbox or reader, we hope you will subscribe to the blog and share any comments, questions or suggestions you may have.

To view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Martin Pierce Hardware says "Let the games begin"

Martin and I are both thrilled that this year's 2012 Summer Olympic Games are being held in London, England.  Along with the excitement of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee we are hoping it brings some much needed relief to the gloom that has sat over Europe for a few years now.  And, just maybe, it might bring some sunshine to rainy old London.  In fact, we have family members that are planning to vacation in Italy for fear that they will never see the sun again!  Isn't it sadly ironic that while we suffer one of the worst droughts in history England is being drenched with one of the wettest summers in history!?  While we agree with the London Times that "Enough is enough" rain, we also hope that the public transporation system, the infamous underground "Tube", is up to the challenge. Like many Americans, we plan on watching the games in between working on new custom hardware pieces, walking Iris and enjoying the ubiquitous southern California sunshine.

To view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.