Aldgate Home specialises in sourcing then hand-finishing beautiful cast iron window frame mirrors, and will be exhibiting at GROW London for the first time this June. Here, founder Maria Stanford introduces us to the company and her gardening passions in this quick-fire interview.
How did Aldgate Home start?
We were looking for a piece for our own home, but just couldn’t find the right one. After some research we managed to source a frame and hand antiqued a glass mirror. The finished piece is so beautiful and people kept asking us about it, and so Aldgate Home was born!
Where did your passion for mirrors come from?
I think they are such magnificent objects to look at, and of course they are always so different beacuse of the reflections.
What do the next few months hold in store?
We’re always busy sourcing and refurbishing, especially at the moment as we’re exhibiting at RHS Chelsea in May, then GROW in June. We’re very particular about the pieces we source - which makes our job harder, but it’s worth it in the end!
If you could buy only one of your own products what would it be?
I can’t pick just one! I love our polished panels pieces and the garden pieces are beautiful, too.
Describe your own garden/gardening style
I love gardening, but can’t give it as much time as I’d like as we’re away so much, so I tend to go for evergreens and set plants out in straight lines so that it’s easier to keep up with.
Who or what makes you laugh?
Graham Norton’s dry sense of humour always makes me chuckle.
Guilty gardening pleasure?
A glass of summertime rose.
Your life motto?
Always try to achieve your best in everything you do.