Our vision is simple... provide a single resource that can design, prototype and cast a component for the engineer, architect, artist or hobbyist, at Owl we got you.
We are now offering the following:
Electro and Chemical Plating Services!
High Speed Laser Cutting!
Made to your design door and cupboard handles.
Weather you are wanting bespoke handles for the doors your mansion cast in bronze to show a family crest or some unique cupboard handles for a child's toy box we can help you. Over the years we have made many unique handles to our clients design. These handles may be many or just one offs. We can cast and machine the handles to fit your particular lock spindle or mounting system. Just drop us a line to answer any questions.
Bespoke cast metal door or cupboard handles.
Bespoke door and cupboard handles have evolved from hand-crafted, functional items made by local artisans before the Industrial Revolution to mass-produced, decorative pieces and then to modern, high-tech designs integrating smart technology. Very ornate door and cupboard handles we common through the Victorian period and we have been commissioned to make identical copies for damaged or lost handles from various historic periods. Early bespoke handles were functional, while the Victorian era saw handles become opulent decorative art. The Arts and Crafts Movement later revived the value of individual craftsmanship, and today, bespoke handles blend personal style with advanced functionality cast in a variety of metal alloys.
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The history of the cast or forged door handle...yes there really is!
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Early History (Pre-Industrial Revolution)
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Functional Beginnings:Before modern handles, simple latches, straps, and primitive knobs served to open and secure doors.
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Local Craftsmanship:In the Tudor period and before, blacksmiths and artisans would hand-make all door and cupboard fittings, including latches and hinges, in a bespoke manner.
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Regional Styles:Handle styles varied according to local traditions and the region's resources.
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Wealth and Status:Only wealthy individuals, large homes, castles, and churches could afford well-made, decorative metal (wrought iron, brass, or even silver) fittings, making them symbols of wealth.
The Rise of Decorative Styles (17th to 19th Centuries)
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Elaborate Designs:In the 17th and 18th centuries, metalworkers began producing more elaborate and decorative handles, knobs, and latches, particularly for opulent estates and manors in Europe.
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Victorian Opulence:The Victorian era saw handles transformed into elaborate pieces of art, showcasing intricate patterns, ornate embellishments, and new materials like brass and porcelain.
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Focal Points:Handles became focal points in homes, reflecting the wealth and taste of the homeowners.
Mass Production and its Impact
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The Industrial Revolution:This period brought mass production of cast metal and iron fittings, making handles more affordable and accessible to the wider public.
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Functional & Affordable:Handles became more about affordability and functionality, with factories producing handles on mass-production lines.
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New Styles:To stand out in a competitive market, manufacturers developed new, eccentric, and decorative styles of cabinet and door handles and knobs.
Modern and Contemporary Bespoke Handles
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Revival of Craftsmanship:The Arts & Crafts movement (1880–1920) championed skilled craftsmanship and individual artistry, resulting in hardware with visible hammer marks, deliberately asymmetrical forms, and unique handcrafted details.
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Technological Advancements:The 20th century saw the development of sleek, minimalist designs, while the 21st century introduced smart technology like fingerprint recognition and keyless entry systems into door handles.
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Diverse Materials and Aesthetics:Today, homeowners and designers seek a wide variety of bespoke handles, from rustic wrought iron, cast metal and vintage-style glass knobs to sleek modern designs using materials like matte black, brushed nickel, and even sustainable options like bamboo.
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Personalisation: Modern bespoke handles integrate personal aesthetics and craft approaches, allowing for the creation of unique, personalized hardware for doors and cupboards, according to the clients requirements.