Spitfire is one of the most labour-intensive metal finishes to create, requiring a five-stage process to create the impression of worn, distressed metal.

The touch of the craftsman’s hand is shown by the visible wielding marks, rugged hand distressing and intensive hand-polishing of the shiny steel. It was inspired by the famous fighter plane’s multi-riveted construction and interlocking panels.

Timothy Oulton and Barker & Stonehouse go back a long way. It used to be Tim and Charlie in the old days, stripping pine cabinets and then hand waxing them, to ride the wave of all things country kitchen in the early 90s under the ‘Halo’ brand.

We installed one of the first Halo Pine studios in our Newcastle store, crammed to the rafters with about every single piece they ever made and promptly nearly set the store alight with the help of their ‘Ambient’ lit candle display. The fire brigade were not amused!

Fast forward – we are now both very different businesses but am pleased to say the relationship goes on. We know when we are onto a good thing.

Barker and Stonehouse has become a natural home for all things Timothy Oulton with six studios (Teesside, Gateshead, Knaresborough, Leeds, Hove and Guildford) plus a webstore, expertly trained staff and stock of many popular items, we continue to be Tim’s number one world-wide account.