I went to a very interesting art deco looking block of flats in Edgbaston, Birmingham today. I've been there many times before, but they always amaze me and I thought them worth a mention.
The flats, in Edgbaston, were built in the 50s and it's like going back in time to that period, every time I go there. I think it's actually council run (certainly I do all of their locksmith work and I always invoice the council, rather than the tenant) and seems to have retained a lot of its original features. It's not often you get to see apartments like this any more and certainly not kept in this good condition. Obviously we could replace any broken ironmongery with similar reproduction art deco ironmongery, but I couldn't imagine the council paying out for top quality door furniture!
Anyway, I do all of their lock work now, from broken lock problems, to lost keys and repossessions. I first got the contract there because one of the apartments was being repossessed. The usual locksmiths and bailiffs apparently drill the door, or sometimes just force the door in, so they phoned me to prevent the door from being damaged. Obviously we picked the door open quite easily and saved them the expense of a new door, or door and frame!
Paul
Arden Locksmiths