LAUNCHING OUR BOOK
2025 has been a pivotal and important year for Retrouvius with the publication of our book, “Contemporary Salvage: Designing Homes from a Philosophy of Reuse”.
After more than 30 years of Retrouvius and 20 years of our Design Studio the book represents our reuse philosophy in print form.
Illustrated by 14 recent projects, with text throughout by Maria and with essays by Mary Miers, Adam Hills, Bella Freud, Emma Crichton Miller and an introduction by Helena Bonham Carter we hope it inspires.
Our huge thanks to all our clients for allowing us into their homes and lives, to our publishers Rizzoli, alongwith everyone who helped bring this book to life.
With the completion of our home and studio we welcomed World of Interiors to our space. 10 years in the making, the original plot featured two rows of tin roofed sheds and was originally acquired as a yard for our warehouse stock.
The intention to create storage and workshops for a community of tradespeople, such as joiners and upholsterers was rejected by local authorities. The resulting residential space is designed to demonstrate our philosophy of reuse: a progressive approach to designing, constructing, deconstructing and redesigning.
The building played host to our book launch in September.
BAPTISM BY CHOIR
We hosted our first congregation to celebrate the new book at the church near Stroud. The building has been in the hands of Retrouvius for 5 years, undertaking a thoughtful restoration by the design team. Friends, writers and contributors joined from nearby, and after a decade, the building once again welcomed a choir.
Renovations and conservations are physically quite brutal, even if nothing is demolished or discarded, the structure undergoes serious change. The cycle of “Resalvation” came full circle with the wonderful healing and immersive qualities of the Acapellies Choir led by Eleanor Holliday. Thank you to all those that joined us in Stroud.
OUT AND ABOUT
Our design team enjoyed a trip to Venice for the Architecture Biennale. We all returned to London reinvigorated and inspired by both new and old.
TOO HOT TO HANDLE
Retrouvius continues to pick up the pieces left between the UK’s demolition and construction industries. There is ever growing awareness for circularity and what that means at ground level: pre-demolition audits and careful dismantling, appropriate safe storage and imaginative, brave visions for reuse.
In our shop and warehouse our salvage team saw some incredible items pass through its doors. Highlights include an entire professional stainless steel kitchen and a fabulous hardwood frieze. The hand carved artwork is one of the most striking pieces we have ever owned and impressive at over 14 metres across 11 panels.
REUSE
Other items take more time to realise their reuse potential. An exceptional collection of antique oak pilasters are currently stored between the church and our showroom – at 6 metres in length and with provenance from Lincoln’s Inn Fields they represent a Herculean resource for reuse.
We look forward to seeing where they are used and sharing more.
To view the pilasters on our site CLICK HERE
COLLABORATION
For this year’s London Design Festival the Retrouvius shop presented our collaboration with Korean designer Subin Seol. Retrouvius has worked closely with the designer to realise this project; inspired by Adam’s haul of teak handrails from the iconic Brutalist Fawley Power station.
Remembrance Chair by Subin Seol with Retrouvius – to view CLICK HERE
HIGH VIS, HARD HAT, BUM CRACK
Elsewhere, projects continue on site in the UK and further afield… Some highlights include: Post Modern pieces meet geological concept in London, W11 and we’re particularly excited to be working on our second project to be fully powered by hydroelectricty.
THANKS
The arrival of the end of 2025 sees three Retrouvians moving to ventures new. With a combined total of 30 years at Retrouvius we wish our book keeper Angelika a very a happy retirement and Clare and Laura the best of luck with time away from the Capital.
2025 saw Retrouvius included in the list of Top Designers in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor and House & Garden.
Our thanks go to all the editorial teams, writers and photographers, in the UK, Europe and beyond for supporting Retrouvius over the years.
Our philosophy revolves around more than just aesthetic design – it’s a reverence and respect for history, the inherent value of hard-won natural materials and craftsmanship. Our ethos centres on the transformative power of reusing, repurposing.
Thank you to everyone who helps us keep in circulation everything from timbers, windows, stones, textiles and antique furniture. The Retrouvius approach to reuse continues to feel more relevant now than ever before.
