A great deal of care and attention goes into the design and creation of each bespoke staircase here at British Spirals & Castings, and our focus is not only on creating stairs which look the part when installed, but will continue to bring pleasure for decades to come. For that reason, it is particularly rewarding when we hear back from customers such as Lucinda Shreeve, who got in touch with us last month to let us know that her staircase is still the focus of much admiration 24 years after it left our workshop.
The cast aluminium staircase needed to fit within a small area in the corner of the Shreeve’s living room – providing access to their converted loft space. Working with the couple, we developed a Victorian style design which fits naturally within the space whilst also providing a focal point.
We talked with Lucinda about her memories of choosing and installing the staircase with her husband:
We were looking for a space saving staircase for our loft conversion and British Spirals & Castings (then Cottage Craft Spirals) were one of the few manufacturers around advertising in the home magazines. From what I recall it was a very efficient order process with advice given on how to accurately measure. As we have wooden boards rather than a solid floor in the living room, my husband asked for a longer central pole so this could sit on a concrete base under the floorboards; this was no problem at all. Once we’d given the measurements it was plain sailing, everything was done for us including working out where you step on and off the staircase. We chose the dark blue as it best fitted our decor and we’ve loved the colour ever since.
We drove over to Chapel-en-le-Frith in a convoy with my parents – they had a roof rack to carry the pole on! Very picturesque trip and a really nice day out. My husband had already cut a hole in the living room ceiling and as soon as we got back, we started fitting it – just like giant Meccano! Following the instructions given, all the treads slotted on top of each other and the spindles easily located – it was installed in time for supper! The only thing we couldn’t do was finish the handrail as the helix needed welding; this five minute job was done the following week.
With the arrival of our son, the giant ‘climbing frame’ needed a safety gate making, fortunately my husband is very handy and built a lovely five bar gate which kept him out of harm’s way.
Visitors are usually surprised and always compliment the staircase. It has aged well, better than us, and is maintenance free, unlike us! It looks gorgeous at Christmas with twinkly lights on; we love it!
