Kitchen Island/retail Display Vintage

This is a unique and bespoke piece; a kitchen island which was originally a hospital laboratory cabinet dating to the 1950/60s. It is double sided and made from English oak. We have just had this piece professionally restored and reimagined into a beautiful, modern and usable yet vintage kitchen island. We have kept the original oak body of the laboratory cabinet, along with its doors and drawer fronts, but have brought it up to date with brushed steel cladding for the sides, electroplated in zinc for a softer look. We have added the same lovely metal work to the top whilst retaining the original oak edging, along with the brass makers plate, stating it was made by John Bell & Croydon of Wignore Street, London. The metal has been polished but retains some of the lived in industrial look. The metal is finished with rounded top stud screws which add to the ‘look’.

The island is double sided, looking the same on both front and rear. It has 4 drawers and 4 cupboards on each side. We have retained the original doors and drawers but have replaced the original wooden handles, many of which were beyond saving, with simple brushed steel D pull handles. The drawers all slide as they should, the doors work as they should and each cupboard has a central shelf. 

The island stands on lockable castors, enabling it to be moved to suit and for cleaning. 

The island measures 185cm long x 94cm deep. iIt stands at 101cm tall. It would seat 10-12 around it comfortably. 

This is a unique piece of furniture. It came to us in a sorry state but had the bones of a great piece. It has had 45 man hours put into it as well as bespoke metal work, new handles and castors. It would be difficult to find another quite the same. It is now a very usable and practical piece and would look wonderful in a kitchen as an island, being particularly practical because it can be easily moved by one person despite its size and weight. I have a mental image of this with friends around it drinking wine and eating olives, but that’s just me. It would also be great for baking on. 

Please bear in mind that this is not a small piece, if you are tempted to buy please measure your access doors and passages. It is just over 90cm wide but is too heavy to be picked up and tipped on its side to get around a corner. It is easily moved because of the castors, but you will need the space to actually get it to where it will live. Bi fold or French doors would be wonderful. 

If you would like to view this before deciding you are more than welcome. We are based in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Please message to arrange. 

Delivery for this item is listed at £100 but please note this is an average as some places are closer than others. Please message me with a postcode before buying for an exact price, it may be more or less depending where you are. Alternatively you are welcome to come and pick up from me in South Yorkshire, you will need a decent sized van with a tail lift, or send your own courier. Please note a tail lift is a must.