Salvo news covers stories from the world of reuse. Architectural salvage, antiques, reclaimed interiors, eco news and features ~ plus the handy Salvo auction, fairs and exhibition event calendar. It can be read online and opt in subscribers receive the monthly eSalvo straight to their inbox. Stories and features are written by Team Salvo: Thornton Kay, Sara Morel, Becky Moles, Faye Thorley and Shirley Kay with contributions from guest writers including Salvo Code Members.
 
This year has been challenging with many experiencing the worst of times but also the best. For many focus has now been on the more important things in life such as caring for friends, family, colleagues and the wider environment. This has been reflected in this years' SalvoNEWS stories.
 
So here is the SalvoNEWS 2020 round up:
 
January 2020:
Eco shopping in Edinburgh: Sara Morel provided a guide to eco shopping in Edinburgh. Here is a small sample of the places she visited which included the Godiva boutique and Salvo Code member, Holyrood Architectural Salvage:
 
Godiva, 9 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2JA
 
'If you’re not riding a unicorn upon arrival, you’ll feel like you are when you leave Godiva. Fleur has led her boutique through many incarnations and today, 2 become 1 with the unconventional mix of local ethical and eco brands with eat your heart out eighties and other eras housed in the backroom dedicated to vintage. The chandelier perched in the corner was given to her at a party, which makes Fleur’s the best party favour I’ve heard of. The jewellery is a highlight, including ethical brand And Mary which makes hand painted porcelain pieces in the Scottish Borders.
 
Holyrood Architectural Salvage, 146 Duddingston Rd W, Edinburgh EH16 4AP
 
If that’s given you a taste for chandelier spotting then this showroom is worth a visit as it makes shopping for salvage easy. Holyrood Architectural Salvage is home to Edinburgh’s largest selection of antique fireplaces, but regular reclaimed items include lighting, original cast iron radiators, and a good supply of door furniture and doors – clearly organised by period or by panels.' ~ Sara Morel
 
Architectural Forum also updated their useful original radiators buying guide for consumers considering cast iron radiators for their renovation. Your questions such as 'What size radiator do I need? and Can I rely on these old radiators? will be answered. ~ Nadine Davies
 
February 2020:
Reuse the pressing issue: 'As we witness the devastating effects of climate change with every news cycle, coverage is now focusing in on all aspects of human activity and what impact that is having on the planet. It makes for some uncomfortable reading, the built environment is responsible for 45% of the UK’s total carbon emissions, and accounts for 60% of all materials used whilst creating a third of all waste. Salvo is calling for reclamation-friendly architects, designers, restorers, builders and demolition contractors with experience in reusing salvage to consider getting involved with the futuREuse project.
 
The need for action has now become urgent, which is reflected in the recent number of articles centred on the creative minds striving to decarbonise the building industry by considering reuse as the solution.' ~ Becky Moles
 
Team Salvo attended a Norfolk-based Salvo Code members convivial of around twenty tradespeople which took place at The White Hart Hotel in Hingham, Norfolk, kindly arranged by Sam and Louise Coster of Mongers Architectural Salvage. A stakeholder workshop also took place on the proposed 'Truly Reclaimed' label, one of the eight strands of the EU FCRBE futuREuse project of which Salvo is a partner. ~ Becky Moles
 
Meanwhile Barbara Israel, a Salvo Code member based in New York, took us to Winterthur and walked us around their 'Follies: Architectural Whimsy in the Garden' exhibition: 'I escaped from the Enchanted Woods and came upon the Gothic Tower. Large, expensive towers were added to gardens in the 18th and 19th centuries in the UK and Northern Europe. Winterthur’s Gothic Tower has a dual-purpose veneer of blackened or charred wood that adds to its imposing appearance while enhancing its durability to last. I took the bait and climbed the tower to see if it afforded an impressive view as is the promise of 'folly' towers. It certainly delivered.'
 
Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, Delaware, DE 19735, U.S.A. The Annual Delaware Antiques Show is organised by Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library.
 
March 2020:
Architectural salvage and antiques auction: Wellers Auctions organised the 1,200 lot retirement sale from Robert Mills Ltd, but it then had to be postponed until April 2020. One of the auction highlights was an Urmston Grange room made from carved oak linenfold panelling flanking a Tudor chimneypiece, oak triptych overmantle with three carved Elizabethan gentlemen’s heads, all surmounted by the Royal Arms of Elizabeth I supported by the lion of England and the Welsh dragon together with four tudor roses - in finely carved oak openwork with a flamboyant gothic frame and two more carved finials of a lion and dragon.
 
The auction was held on behalf of Robert Mills Ltd, Narroways Road, Eastville, Bristol, BS2 9XB ~ Chris Sykes, Wellers Auctions.
 
Climate Change: An open letter was sent from four well-known young climate activists: Greta Thunberg, based in Sweden, Luisa Neubauer, based in Germany, Anuna de Wever and Adélaïde Charlier based in Belgium called time. They collectively requested EU member states and global leaders to #facetheclimatetheemergency. The letter was signed by thousands of supporters and includes scientists. and to advocate to make ecocide an international crime at the International Criminal Court'. Thousands of citizens, scientists and influencers put their names to the letter and more joining later. See the open letter link below. ~ Shirley Kay
 
April 2020:
Auctions go online: Amid the first UK Covid19 lockdown, the last minute decision to go online with their garden antiques auction was made by the Summers Place directors. It helped to prove, early on in the pandemic, that despite missing the buzz and atmosphere of a crowded auction room, an online only auction can still achieve excellent results. Summers Place described the auction as going with a 'with a fizz despite Corona.' Later in April when speaking to the Barneby's online auction site James Rylands, Director of Summers Place Auctions, commented, "When we look back on the present corona crisis there is no doubt that the increasing importance of having a digital presence will be even more apparent. The fact that with a bit of lateral thinking and technical know-how, we could largely process our entire sale remotely shows how radically different working patterns are going to be when this crisis is over."
 
Summers Place Auctions is a Salvo Code member and the world's leading auctioneer of Garden Statuary and Natural History. It usually holds a minimum of four sales per year which include the best examples of Garden sculpture and decoration as well as Natural History. ~ Shirley Kay and Sara Morel
 
May 2020:
Modern salvage in demand: Salvo team member, Faye Thorley sent out a request for modern salvage from the trade including metal roof covering and cladding etc and reported on the FCRBE pilot projects: 'Salvo is running four UK pilots and is fortunate to be working with emerging London-based design studio PUP architects which is masterminding the Surrey Docks retrofit project. PUP's chosen project for futuREuse is Cody Docks, a new-build development located by the River Lea in Newham, east London. The environmentally-conscious team is keen to explore a circular approach for materials and welcomed the opportunity to work with Salvo. With the support of Salvo, the team is happy to consider design adjustments to Cody Docks to allow for reuse of a second-hand material supply. This feels like a milestone for the risk-averse construction industry.'
 
June 2020:
Six months of futuREuse: 'a brief report on January to June 2020 of Salvo's activities in the FCRBE EU project, which Salvo calls futuREuse, which aims to increase reuse of reclaimed building materials. The eight main project partners, lead partner Rotor of Brussels, Bellastock of Paris, together with a number of European building research institutions, the UK's University of Brighton headed up by Duncan Baker Brown, and of course Salvo Ltd. In addition to a number of associate partners, many architects, public and private sector construction firms have joined or are proposing to join a pilot testing program. Around 1500 stockholding salvage businesses will be listed by the project, many of which are now official stakeholders.'
 
Thornton Kay, Sara Morel and Becky Moles continued their summer visits to architectural salvage and reclamation yards in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland (North and South) to include them in the futuREuse dealer directory.
 
July 2020:
Outdoor fairs and markets on the rise: 'Crowds embraced a chance to browse at the International Antiques and Collectors Fair which returned to Ardingly Showground last week for the first time since lockdown. Thrilled to be back in full swing the IACF welcomed antique and vintage enthusiasts to the specially adapted fair, with the entry gate offering contactless payment visitors were encouraged to observe social distancing with signage around the site. Before the event buyers were advised to talk directly with traders before handling stock and encouraged only to touch goods they intended to buy. Some dealers provided hand sanitiser at their stalls for those who cannot resist the temptation of looking with their hands.
 
For months the trade has been conducting business via screens with digital dealing and virtual browsing on social media, shoppers and dealers were eager to buy and sell face to face. I for one, was desperately in need of some treasure hunting and Ardingly did not disappoint. With a genuine sense of pleasure to be back to business and the wonderful weather, there was a real holiday atmosphere, and I’m not just talking about my unusual tan lines.' ~ Becky Moles
 
August 2020:
The sun shone and Salvo continued the good vibes with colour pops of salvage and blue sky thinking:
 
'A pop or splash of colour will always add statement style. Colour pop design ideas are trending across social media. Discover salvaged colour pops on the Salvo website to add colour and fun to your own home decor from industrial bygones, fireplaces to floorboards, furniture, doors or baths. For salvaged colour pop inspiration see salvowebpins on Pinterest.' ~ Sara Morel
 
Blue Sky thinking introduced us to personal thrift edits from Sara and Beck: 'In an online world with unlimited choices, our selections of vintage and preloved accessories come with good vibes only, made with care and kindness, old souls looking for a new adventure.' and their 'own collection of recrafted accessories includes bags made of vintage towelling ranging from the ‘60s to the ‘90s paired with reclaimed judo belt handles and reclaimed cotton - stitched together with GOTS organic cotton thread.'
 
If like us you are emerging from lockdown conscious of the world in distress and are seeking a new look or a new outlook then join us. Follow Instagram, @ethazon for our secret carbon conscious collection of things to dress yourself and your home. ~ Sara & Beck (-:
 
September 2020:
Outdoor fairs continued to thrive: Henley Decor, run by dealer and restorer Gary Wallis, was no exception. Gary also featured in Salvo news promoting his new salvage television series from Yesterday Channel, Restoration Workshop. Gary trades from a 4,000 square foot warehouse in Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, UK. The Henley Decor fair was held at Greenlands Park, Henley on Thames, RG9 3AU. 'A festival of home, garden and lifestyle with food, music and atmosphere.' In a Salvo interview, Gary said that despite thirty years of experience he continues to learn something new everyday.' See henleydecorfair.com for information about his fair next year. ~ Sara Morel
 
October 2020:
Staying in: Many more of us got hooked on Netflix and series featuring antiques and salvage such as, 'The Crown' and films such as 'The Boys in the Band', an LGBTQ Drama. Staged in a 1968 New York apartment, set designer, Judy Becker and set decorator, Gene Serdena treated the apartment itself like a character in the film. The main character's own 'historical evolution' is inspired by real apartment designs from the era featuring an antique spiral staircase. It was supplied by an architectural salvage store in NYC and shipped to the Netflix soundstage in Los Angeles. ~ Shirley Kay
 
Architectural salvage and antiques continue to sell in store: In the middle of the pandemic, Olde Good Things reaffirmed their commitment to New York by opening a new flagship 8,000 square foot retail store in the historic Midtown West neighbourhood of Manhattan. Olde Good Things, NYC began during the heyday of the Chelsea Antique Market in the early 90’s and then opened its first retail store on Atlantic Avenue on Antique Row in Brooklyn in 1994. Twenty five years later, it has become one of the leading US architectural salvage companies with three brick and mortar retail locations in New York, one in Los Angeles and a six-story antique department store and warehouse in Scranton, PA. ~ Shirley Kay
 
November 2020:
Ashwell's showcased both reclaimed wood and women working in salvage this year: Ashwells Reclaimed Timber yard is run by Janine and Debs Davies-Tutt.
 
'We are thrilled to feature in four BALI, National Landscape award categories this year. We all know the rainforest is disappearing, fast. We also know that finding low-carbon sustainable building methods is the only way to reach net-zero by 2050. Through our partnerships with eco-conscious designers, we are meeting the challenges of climate change and demonstrating the potential of sustainable reclaimed timber.' ~ Janine
 
One of their winning projects was the RHS Back to Nature designed by Adam White MBALI & Gerald Davies Ltd in collaboration with HRH Duchess of Cambridge and featuring reclaimed Keruing timber from Southend Pier as its central woodland walkway. The British Association of Landscape Industries’ (BALI) prestigious landscaping Awards were held on Friday 4th December 2020 as a special virtual broadcast.
 
Ashwells Reclaimed Timber based in Essex, UK are Salvo code members and were the first to be listed in the FCRBE futuReuse UK & Ireland Top 500 directory.
 
December 2020:
Flexible selling methods continue: After the initial shock of lockdown the architectural salvage, antique and reclamation trade managed to survive and in many cases thrive the challenges of 2020. It was not just construction leading the demand for reclaimed building materials but increased sales for home renovations. Sales of DIY items sky rocketed with people doing jobs around the house and garden or creating their own home work spaces. Dealers are now increasingly selling over the telephone, online and on social media.
 
Online only architectural salvage and antiques auctions are now common and T W Gaze increased the number of their Meadow Auctions too. Outdoor salvage and antique fairs survived and even thrived this year. Online and Instagram fairs have popped up as well. However indoor fairs have often been postponed until next summer or cancelled completely. Even with last minute notice events can move dates, be cancelled or go online only. This has made keeping the Salvo events and auction calendar up to date more challenging too. We have been doing out best to keep up but please bear with us and do check organiser websites for the very latest information.
 
Pollution levels and climate change: In April we experienced less air pollution with national lockdowns but unfortunately it would soon increase again not just in the UK but worldwide. In fact the death certificate of a nine year old girl, in London has been the first in the world to state air pollution as the cause of death. 'During the course of Ella Kissi-Debrah's illness, between 2010 and 2013, she was exposed to levels of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter in excess of World Health Organisation guidelines', coroner, Philip Barlow. It is estimated that air pollution kills nearly nine million people a year worldwide and around 91% of the world's population lives in places where the air quality does not meet WHO's safety standards. Meanwhile we have seen a lot of broken promises, inaction or greenwashing from many Governments and large companies worldwide to address quickly enough the threat of both pollution and the climate change challenge.
 
The UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, opened the Climate Ambition Summit in December 2020, committing to a Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution which included wind, hydro, solar and new nuclear power. He also wants to encourage green transport such as cycling, walking and electric vehicles, 'we are going to ban ICEs, new internal combustion engines by 2030, with a very ambitious programme.' Rewilding is being promoted. 'And we’re now consecrating 30% of our waters, 30% of our land surface, to nature, because we think wild nature is the best way and most effective way of retaining carbon in a natural balance.' He said we are working towards the UK commitment to 'net zero by 2050.'
 
The European Council has reached agreement on a general approach on the proposal for a European climate law, including a new EU greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990, following the guidance of the European Council on 10th to 11th December 2020. The main aim of the European climate law is to set into legislation the objective of a climate neutral EU by 2050.
 
The U.S.A., with the election of Biden, has now committed to rejoining the Paris climate agreement and maybe there will be further commitments from him and other world leaders next year at the United Nations conference in Glasgow, COP26.
 
Which brings me full circle to the huge contribution the architectural salvage and reclamation trade brings to the table in carbon terms, in the work they do reclaiming and saving building materials for reuse. The reclamation trade's contribution to climate change is more carbon negative than positive. (Which is a very good thing to be.) However as yet, there has been no mention of action to increase the quota required for the reuse of building materials in new builds or renovations nor support for the work of the salvage trade despite, 'the built environment being responsible for 45% of the UK’s total carbon emissions, and accounts for 60% of all materials used whilst creating a third of all waste.'
 
After all if the Romans could value reuse as the norm not the exception, then over two thousand years later we surely have no excuse? Recent research, by Allison L. C. Emmerson, provided evidence that what was previously assumed to to be Roman waste sites on the edge of their cities were in fact salvage yards. Items were being saved for reuse often in new buildings or renovations. Then those items not suited to be reused for building were instead reused for roads etc 'The Ancient Roman civilisation would have spread their sustainable reuse philosophy throughout the Empire. Reclaimed materials can be seen in Roman buildings still standing today.' Her book, 'Life and Death in the Roman Suburb' has added significantly to our knowledge of Roman life and will provide inspiration for further academic research and hopefully will even inspire construction professionals to embrace reuse like the Romans'. See the link to the full story in SalvoNEWS. ~ Becky Moles.
 
2021 may yet hold further challenges but Team Salvo wish you all some New Year fizz.
 
But let's all end the year with faith that the best of times are yet to come, especially for those committed to reuse worldwide :)
Team Salvo will be looking forward glass half full in preference to glass half empty.
Cheers ....