Interior doors make a strong statement about the character of a property. In the hierarchy of architectural joinery, the doors of more significant rooms in higher status properties can be distinguished by additional embellishments in the form of secondary mouldings, enhanced panels or the use of feature timbers.
As part of the complete refurbishment of a Grade I listed Regency house by John Nash, Atkey and Company were commissioned to create a set of 13 old growth Brazilian Mahogany hardwood six-panel doors with curl mahogany veneer and a full grain filled shellac and wax French polish finish. Some of the doors were fire rated to FD30 and one incorporated additional security measures. Each panelled door set was supplied with bespoke door frames, architraves and associated architectural joinery.
Mahogany is one of the most beautiful and prized timbers. Since the 18th Century mahogany has been selected by British joiners for its straight even grain and sumptuous red-brown tones. Its rarity makes sourcing timber a challenge and it is welcome news that responsible forest management is leading to an emerging trade in FSC certified Mahogany*.
Atkey and Company feature doors in oak, walnut or mahogany can be combined with a range of oiled, stained or lacquered finishes. After careful construction the bespoke interior doors in this example were grain filled to create the smoothest possible finish. Then repeated application of French polish is applied by hand to bring out the rich texture of the mahogany. Each door had around forty man-hours of hand finishing work.
Fine materials demand exceptional treatment and Atkey and Company doors are designed and produced in-house in our Somerset workshops by experienced craftsmen and women. Our production values are high and we have a well-deserved reputation for producing doors of the finest quality.
* Welcome Back Mahogany – FSC news March 2016.
