Based in Earlsfield, South West London, Deans are one of the few remaining traditional awning manufacturers. Many of the products they now sell and install are of the modern electric type which respond to all the elements identifying whether it is sunny, windy or even starting to rain yet they still retain those skills founded three centuries ago.
In their factory, visitors will find a carpentry shop and and benches for applying the five coats of paint that are needed to give their Victorian awnings that traditional style. On the carpenters bench there will be chisels and saws and bradawls - those old fashioned instruments unchanged in manufacture for all this time to craft the wooden boxes, shaped and routed laths and tackers. The castings are still original sand castings with imperfections left on to show the traditional nature of the work.
The steel side arms are bent to shape by strong arms and assembled with care using parts called "cannons" and "straps" and "pull down plates".
One part they don't use any more is the "dragons teeth" strapping that used to be attached to the side arms - many a reveller in the early days came away with sore hands when they tried to swing on the butchers blind arms - now decidedly not health and safety approved.
Each awning is constructed from the finest European Redwood timbers from registered harvested sources and receive 5 coats of hand applied paint or varnish to give them that real "Victorian" look.
While Deans have embraced the modern technological highlights of the latest awning and blinds systems, they still retain the skills of old and some of their staff have been working there all their working life.
Customers can use any of the fabrics they see on Deans special fabrics page at http://www.deansblinds.co.uk/fabrics/fabrics.html and while looking the part of the old cotton materials actually have all the properties of low maintenance modern fibres resistant to fade and soiling.
About Deans Blinds and Awnings UK LTD
Founded in 1894, Deans Blinds and Awnings have been the major suppliers and installer of all types of domestic and commercial awnings and blinds throughout London over the course of 3 centuries. Deans are a privately run business based in Wandsworth and manufacture their products right here in London. Personal service and value for money are the key reasons for Deans' long standing in the shading options business. For more information about the company and their Victorian Awnings, please visit http://www.deansblinds.co.uk/catalogue/product/2/7/victor....
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Deans Blinds and Awninigs UK LTD
