Chesney’s, the London retailer and manufacturer famous for its reproduction stone fireplaces, has opened a new showroom called Chesney’s Architectural.

Chesney’s has for some time sold a wider range of stone products than fireplaces, all made at its factories in China and Portugal, as was clear from its stand at the Natural Stone Show at ExCeL London in May.

But now it also has a showroom dedicated to architectural stonework just a little way along Battersea Park Road from its original fireplaces showroom.

The business was started by Paul Chesney 25 years ago. It initially supplied original marble and other stone fireplaces, but that was restricted by the supply of the antiques, so Paul started making new fireplaces in the style of the antiques. He now has a showroom in New York as well as London selling the fireplaces.

Three years ago Chesney’s expanded into the architectural side of stonework, with Director Mark Burns running that side of the business.

“I have had an office, but I haven’t had the benefit of a showroom where customers can see the quality of our work,” says Mark at the new showroom.

Last month he obtained that benefit with the opening of Chesney’s Architectural in London, with its Azul Valverde floor, Carparo Coral columns and reception desk, Cabouca limestone cantilevered staircase, Bath stone door frame, and even a bath made from Moldova limestone standing on a Breccia plinth. Most of the stones in the showroom originate from Portugal and Italy.

Mark: “Without a showroom you are just showing customers samples. Now they can come here and see how various examples of stone have been used. It’s not until people start handling it that they know what they want.”

He says the showroom, which includes a detailed design service, is really for the benefit of architects and designers, although he adds: “Clients are more than welcome to come along.”

Most of Chesney’s work is for private domestic clients at the end of the market that employs architects and designers.