Last Thursday marked a special chapter in the Old Fire New Flame story. We were fortunate enough to be invited to an exclusive architectural salvage auction held on the outskirts of Brighton — a quarterly event reserved strictly for those “in the know.” It’s not open to the general public, making it a rare and privileged opportunity to source truly unique stock.
What makes this auction especially unique is the diversity of its lots, many of which are bulk sourced from several trusted demolition companies across Sussex, London, Essex, and Hampshire. These firms salvage architectural elements from period properties — from Victorian townhouses to Georgian manors — ensuring that beautiful, character-filled items get a second life instead of being lost to the skip.
Among a crowd of no more than 50 seasoned dealers from Sussex, Surrey, London, and even as far afield as Manchester, we joined the hunt for pieces with character, history, and soul. The atmosphere? Electric. You could feel the anticipation in the air as each lot came under the hammer — everyone with their eyes set on that one perfect piece.
We successfully bid on nine lots and returned with eleven stunning fireplaces — each one with a story to tell. Some were in pristine condition and required no restoration at all, while others had to be stripped and cleaned in our workshop. A few have already found new homes, and we suspect the rest won’t stay with us long.
Among the treasures, I also managed to secure a truly elegant 19th-century mirror that instantly stole my heart. It now hangs proudly in my own home — a rare moment where business met personal joy.
Beyond the finds, one of the highlights was meeting some incredible people — fellow enthusiasts and professionals who share our deep appreciation for craftsmanship and history. It’s these connections that make the salvage world such a rewarding place to be.
If you’re signed up to our stock alerts, you’ll already have seen some of these new arrivals — and you’ll know how quickly they’ve been snapped up. If not, now’s the time. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of the past, beautifully restored and ready to bring warmth and charm into your home.
We’re already counting down the days to the next auction. Until then, keep an eye on the site and make sure you’re on the list — because these fireplaces don’t hang around for long.
—
The Old Fire New Flame Team