Following over four decades of success as a leading business specialising in the salvaging of architectural antiques, reclaimed building materials and interior décor pieces, the husband-and-wife team behind Dromore-based Wilson’s Yard have announced their retirement following the sale of their site on the main A1 dual carriageway.
Thanking their loyal customer base across the UK, Ireland and further afield, Geoff and Rosy Wilson have formed a partnership with Cavan-based, family-run auction house Victor Mee Auctions which will see remaining inventory auctioned to interested bidders online on Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th March.
Reflecting on Wilson’s Yard’s history as a pioneer in the trade of architectural salvage, owner Geoff Wilson said, “Our family has been involved in reclamation, recycling and salvage for over half a century. In that time, the format of the business has taken various twists and turns. In the early days we began as primarily a metal recycling company with a waste disposal and skip hire section attached, and the architectural salvage business emerged from there. As the recycling business grew, it became apparent that there was a massive interest in top quality salvaged and reclaimed materials, and nobody else was catering for folks in Ireland.”
As the trend for homeowners seeking more unique, designed spaces and the movement to restore old Victorian homes crossed the water from London, the Wilson’s Yard team adapted to provide a service to this new type of customer.
“Despite the Troubles in Ireland, life went on. 40 years ago, inspired by London-based glossy magazines, people in Ireland began to really grasp the beauty of old materials like stripped pine doors, restored Victorian fireplaces and beautifully seasoned, reclaimed wooden floors, and embraced that classic red brick aesthetic of Victorian homes,” said Rosy Wilson. “We soon found ourselves supplying reclaimed architectural salvage and building materials to architects, designers, homeowners, builders and those involved in the Hospitality Industry across the Island of Ireland and beyond who were looking for unique and inspirational pieces.”
Eventually Wilson’s Yard became a one-stop shop for all things reclaimed including period chandeliers, fireplaces, flooring, antique furniture and more. “As the business – and demand – grew, we soon found ourselves scouting to source for premium reclaimed materials from much further afield,” says Geoff Wilson. “We began to bring in reclaimed materials from around the world. We purchased an old railway station in Romania which we dismantled and were able to bring the materials back here to sell to our customers. We have also sourced Amish oak timber from Pennsylvania, USA, and the finest quality crystal chandeliers from Paris. We were soon selling to commercial and residential customers across the whole of Ireland, GB, Europe, the United States and Australia.”
For a small, family-run company, Wilson’s Yard have punched above their weight, supplying unique features to establishments ranging from reclaimed Yorkstone paving for the Royal Palace in Hillsborough to local homeowners and architects seeking materials to elevate their designs. Commenting on the continued appeal of salvage and reclaimed materials Rosy Wilson added, “The materials we have supplied over the years have one thing in common – they came from an era when craftsmen took real pride in their work and the products they produced. There was not as much pressure to do a fast job, but rather to do a quality job. In an era of large-scale housing developments and sourcing materials from your local DIY superstore, we have continued to cater for customers who seeking individualism and the buzz of having something of superior quality with a unique history in their home.”
Whilst the founders of Wilson’s Yard may be calling time on their beloved family business, members their trusted team will continue to carry the torch into the future, with new premises on Dromore’s Mossvale Road to be launched later this year. “We are so proud of our wonderful staff and are delighted that they wanted to carry on the Wilson’s Yard legacy with the new iteration of the business to be launched later this year,” said Geoff Wilson. “We look forward to their continued success and seeing how Wilson’s Yard continues to evolve with the needs and desires of the customer base.”
From the iconic landmark clock tower to unique architectural salvage materials, vintage leather upholstered furniture, bespoke, custom pieces made with reclaimed materials by the Wilson’s Yard team, and a range of outdoor landscaping and gardening features, customers will have a chance to bid on remaining inventory at Wilson’s Yard next month, and buyers are expected tune in from around the world for a chance to take home some of these historic and iconic pieces.
Visit www.victormeeauctions.ie for more information on the upcoming sale.
