After four decades salvaging of architectural antiques and reclaiming building materials and interior décor pieces, the husband-and-wife team behind Co Down’s Wilson’s Yard have announced their retirement following the sale of their site on the main A1 dual carriageway outside Dromore.
Founded by Geoff and Rosy Wilson, their yard has proved a pioneering enterprise in the north, trading for decades before the term ‘circular economy’ entered popular vernacular and was eventually adopted in government policy.
The business name will live on courtesy of an employee buyout, which will see the Wilson’s team carry the torch to the Mossvale Road Wilsons Timber Yard site.
Under its new ownership, the company plans a return to its roots, focusing on architectural salvage such as timber, brick and stone paving.
But back at the main Hillsborough Road site, Geoff and Rosy are making their final preparations for an emotional farewell after agreeing the sale of the property.
They have teamed up with Cavan-based, family-run auction house Victor Mee to sell their remaining inventory in an online auction next month.
“Our family has been involved in reclamation, recycling and salvage for over half a century,” recalled Geoff.
“In that time, the format of the business has taken various twists and turns. In the early days we began as primarily a metal recycling company with a waste disposal and skip hire section attached, and the architectural salvage business emerged from there.
“As the recycling business grew, it became apparent that there was a massive interest in top quality salvaged and reclaimed materials, and nobody else was catering for folks in Ireland.”
The Co Down couple were well placed to respond to the growing interest in the London trend for restoring old Victorian homes, when it crossed the Irish Sea.
“Despite the Troubles in Ireland, life went on,” said Rosy. “Inspired by London-based glossy magazines, people in Ireland began to really grasp the beauty of old materials like stripped pine doors, restored Victorian fireplaces and beautifully seasoned, reclaimed wooden floors, and embraced that classic red brick aesthetic of Victorian homes.
“We soon found ourselves supplying reclaimed architectural salvage and building materials to architects, designers, homeowners, builders and those involved in the Hospitality Industry across the Island of Ireland and beyond who were looking for unique and inspirational pieces.”
Wilson’s Yard eventually became the one-stop-shop for all things reclaimed, from period chandeliers and fireplaces to flooring and antique furniture.
“As the business – and demand – grew, we soon found ourselves scouting to source for premium reclaimed materials from much further afield,” said Geoff.
“We began to bring in reclaimed materials from around the world. We purchased an old railway station in Romania which we dismantled and were able to bring the materials back here to sell to our customers.
Geoff and Rosy Wilson are planning to retire after agreeing the sale of their business premises, just outside Dromore, Co Down. (DARREN KIDD)
“We have also sourced Amish oak timber from Pennsylvania, USA, and the finest quality crystal chandeliers from Paris.
“We were soon selling to commercial and residential customers across the whole of Ireland, GB, Europe, the United States and Australia.”
Their growing reputation saw Wilson’s supply everyone from the Royal Palace in Hillsborough to local homeowners and architects.
“The materials we have supplied over the years have one thing in common – they came from an era when craftsmen took real pride in their work and the products they produced,” added Rosy.
“There was not as much pressure to do a fast job, but rather to do a quality job.
“In an era of large-scale housing developments and sourcing materials from your local DIY superstore, we have continued to cater for customers who seeking individualism and the buzz of having something of superior quality with a unique history in their home.”
As they prepare for their own retirement, the couple said they remain immensely proud of their “wonderful” staff, who will continue to keep the business name alive in their absence.
“We look forward to their continued success and seeing how Wilson’s Yard continues to evolve with the needs and desires of the customer base.”
The online auction for Wilson’s remaining inventory runs over March 18-19 on victormeeauctions.ie.