"The Cast Iron Bath Revival" - Part 1

As Featured in February 2016 Issue of Architects Data File:

“What comes around, goes around”

Well, that’s certainly the case with cast iron baths, as ever increased demand pushes the market to a second coming, and those at its heart continue to enjoy a cast iron renaissance. 

But why cast iron baths? 

Why choose cast iron over the modern-day alternatives such as acrylic or even plastics?
What makes cast iron baths so special?

Of course there is more than one simple answer, there are quite a few reasons and by knowing the differences between cast iron and its alternatives may well establish why some people and companies won’t accept any imitations and take a great deal of pride in cast iron baths.

When it comes to the bathroom nothing beats the heritage and charm of a Cast Iron Bath.
It’s hard to replicate the authentic bathing experience that comes from using a free-standing bath made from genuine cast iron and lined with true vitreous enamel.

So what makes that so?

Firstly, cast iron is a solid and very hardy material, made in a time-honoured and labour intensive process - it’s this very attribute and hard wearing nature that leads it to be significantly longer lasting than acrylic or plastic counterparts.

It wouldn’t be uncommon for a cast iron bath to outlast several generations! I’m sure you’ve seen the odd very old cast iron bath being used in fields for animal feed/water troughs- whilst we think this is quite sad in many respects, it also serves to demonstrate their incredible longevity. If the good old British weather takes years and years to render one pretty much useless, imagine how long one would last if it’s looked after and cared for?

Check our Part 2 soon, or in Februrary's edition of ADF. 

Hurlingham The Bath Company at Decorex, Syon Park, London –20th-23rd September 2015

We are extremely excited to announce that we are to exhibit at Decorex International 2015 show in the beautiful setting of Syon Park, London in September.
Our superb collection of free-standing baths continues to expand and we are always striving to constantly explore new designs/influences and thrilling, timeless craftsmanship.

Made from authentic materials such as Cast Iron, Copper, Brass and Marble, Hurlingham ensure not only the highest quality products but also offer a completely bespoke tailoring option; from a selection of over 4000 paint colours (and ever expanding), a choice of fabric or genuine leather, Houlés braiding, real or faux metal leaf gilding, the use of cast iron appliqués and even our special 3-day intensive hand polishing finish.

All our cast iron baths are finished with genuine vitreous enamel, a highly resistant material with outstanding durability and toughness.

Some highlights of the latest additions to the Hurlingham range include:

Acanthus Leaf - Showing off both bold design and highly skilled craftsmanship, the Acanthus styled feet have been intricately cast from iron and thereon either attentively hand polished or painted depending on preference – the polishing technique takes place over a period of three days, and achieves a deep and unique lustre.

A variation on our Mon Empire bath it can of course be customised in any way, shape or form that you desire.

Mon Empire - A doth of the cap to the iconic 19^th Century French ‘Empire’ bath  - the first mass produced bath from the historic City of Lyon.
A high sided bath, it lends itself to deep relaxation, its design is typical of cast iron baths and can be made and designed with various appliques, painted or polished however desired. The fleur-de-lys feet further enhance the French feel.

Simba - The grand and impressive Simba is expertly hewn and shaped from one block of superb white marble and commands an imposing presence.
A large featured bath, the focal point of which is a bold and fierce hand carved Lion’s head on both sides.
A contender for the King of all baths!

Copper Contempo - Another superb addition to our copper bath range! The Contempo features a more modern design and almost minimalist style to the bath that allows for the natural beauty of the materials to take centre stage.
A full roll-top or ‘tube roll’ and a hidden plinth further adds to the modernistic feel.
We also have a single ended model in an ultra-cutting edge look.
Available in Copper or Brass.

The Montpellier - A unique cast iron bath that utilises a wooden roll top to create a warming character to the bath. With an elegant shape the bath can be painted in any colour and the wooden roll can also be stained or painted in wide variety of colours.
A brighter paint would produce a more contemporary feel!

La Petite – Good things come in small packages! We certainly think so with the La Petite, the cutest bath in our entire range.
Here at Hurlingham we believe little ones need pampering too and with our dainty child-sized cast iron bath they can do so in some style!
We thoroughly encourage you to get in touch with your inner child to decorate this bath, the limit really is your imagination. Don’t forget it can be redecorated at any time too.

Washbasins - We will also be exhibiting our very latest product range: Washbasins. With their classic styling and excellent craftsmanship that proved to be so popular at the May Design Series, the cast iron and copper basins and wash stands signal a new venture for Hurlingham as we continue to make efforts to change the landscape of bathrooms up and down the country.

We have many more baths and shower trays that we are considering taking to the show, so please do stay on the lookout for any more news of the exhibition.

Bathroom Storage Ideas

Bathrooms are often the rooms with the least space, but the most amount of clutter that needs organising! While you may think that having a small bathroom limits the amount of storage you can have, there is a huge number of minor adjustments you can make to your bathroom that can help in your quest for more bathroom storage!

Use height – Shelves are cheap and easy to make and can be used to store towels, toiletries, and you can even use them to hold mason jars, which look lovely when used to store bathroom essentials! Shelves with inverted brackets also add a quaint, shabby chic look to any bathroom!

Secret Storage – Medicine cabinets have been used for years above sinks to hide unsightly bathroom items, but did you know you can also get full length mirrors that double up as storage! Great for homes that have very little space in their bathrooms. Another great storage idea that doesn't take up much room is spice racks – not just for the kitchen! These can fit in even the tiniest of spaces!

Depth – How much can you cram into that space underneath your sink? Adding sliding drawers and shelves on the inside of doors in the cupboard under the sink is a great way to help utilise what space you have, and keep everything organised!

Magnetic Strips – While this is more of an organiser than a storage solution, magnetic strips are cheap and can be easily added to the walls around your sink (or anywhere else) and can help you avoid the inevitable pile of bobby pins, tweezers and nail scissors that don’t have a home in your bathroom!

Any suggestions? Let us know by making a comment!