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ARCHITECTURAL FITTINGS

Some 35,000 architectural fittings, from a hand cut Georgian screw, fire grates, glazing bars and staircases to the entire entrance to the old Chinese Embassy in London, are currently packed into a huddle of suburban garden sheds.

The collection’s owner, Mr Charles Brooking is beginning to run out of money and sheds. “I desperately need a place where the collection can be properly displayed and accessible, and also have room to expand”’ said Mr Brooking, who worked for Sothebys and British Rail architects department before turning to collecting full time. "I would be willing to hand over ownership of the collection if a permanent home could be found."

He began his interest at the age of three when he was fascinated by the variety of Bakelite and metal screw-on house numbers. By six, he was eagerly accepting door handles and window latches from friendly builders, and the first shed to store the growing collection, came as a birthday present when he was 14.

“If you want something badly enough and you’re really keen, it’s amazing what lengths you’ll go to,” he said. One of the high points came when he was visiting the Royal institute of British Architects in London and saw workmen start to demolish the doorway of the Chinese embassy opposite.

“I just dashed across the road, bought them all a drink and rang up a friend who’s got a large van”.he said. The doorway is now in packing cases in one of the sheds.