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"We all enjoy listening to a great story of a life well lived and a family loved. From humble beginnings to achievement and success today. Remembering the joy brought to others and the tremendous legacy that would leave behind"
'18th Century Curiosity Box'
depicting family and garden
A Wheathills memory box is just that, an authentic exquisite work of art where precious, personal and family memories will always be safe, more than this each handcrafted memory box is a true token of love, celebrating defining moments in life.
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Early explorers, botanists and other people of science and influence created elaborate curiosity boxes which would keep safe the proof of their achievements, discovery's and memories of their adventures on the high seas.
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Most importantly family, images were carved, inlayed and scribed into the box as the quest began, ensuring that their loved ones would forever be in their hearts and minds.
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Creating such an evocative work of art today has all the hallmarks of life adventures so far. There is nothing more authentic than real life experience being portrayed in an exquisite art form. To be cherished and remembered by.
'Walnut Memory Box Depicting a Garland of Childhood Flowers'
'What is a authentic memory box?'
'When Off The Shelf Simply Will Not Do'
Discovering a breathtaking gift truly worthy of the recipient and that once in a lifetime occasion can feel like an epiphany. It is the opportunity to express a much deeper understanding of unspoken love and pride.
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The weight of responsibility is lovingly accepted when tasked to source that elusive all important gift for the person who 'wants for nothing'.
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It really is the thought that counts that leads to an exhilarating gift where all are delighted with the reveal. A moving yet intimate tale told through fine art nourishes and stirs our emotions in the same way a simple ribbon or shell can when, infused with wonderful memories. These sentimental possessions hold very little monetary worth yet are absolutely priceless and possess the magic to instantly move one to another place and time, where intangible feelings can be revisited.
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Imagine giving the gift of those personal and shared memories in an art form that is steeped in history, skill and passion of its birth. The inspiration for each exquisite memory box is discovered through the stories and memories conveyed by the client. These then forge the unique shape, form and function.
As the sentimental person collects totems of life the memory box becomes the vessel to keep them safe, the marquetry decoration is the symbolic story told where the onlooker can appreciate a work of beauty and those with the insight recognise the story being expressed. The objects so intensely considered and selected for inclusion, together with the memory box become the touchstone of life so far and a wonderful work of art to be cherished and remembered by for many generations to come.
'It all begins with a great story and a confidential conversation'
'How are they created?'
Designed and created like no other each striking work of art is formed to museum standards using only the finest materials in order to achieve a masterpiece each time.
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It is our attention to detail throughout the story being told that touches hearts. The inclusion of a specific flower in the design for example can bring tears of joy where a slightly different or random flower would be totally meaningless, the iconography has to be perfect.
Each commission starts with a confidential conversation with a family member to thoroughly understand what is required. Each design is inspired by and in celebration of life's events so far. Loves, losses, aspirations and achievements, anniversaries and birthdays to mention but a few. Every memory box is intrinsically unique as are life stories.
Our memory boxes are decorated with marquetry, depicting those stories. Marquetry is a highly skilled and ancient technique of arranging a multitude of tiny pieces of timber in such a way that they form a breathtaking picture. We are proud to have carried this art form from standard marquetry to micro and to the highest levels of over 260 pieces of timber per square inch. So named as 'Nano Marquetry' for which Wheathills owns the patent and awards for.
Wheathills is privileged to be custodian of grandfathers magnificent timber collection of which we can select from and share with you. These timbers are our artists pallet, rare and beautiful and can never be replaced once used. Most of grandfathers collection, assembled over his lifetime are now beyond 100 years old. So enormous care and respect is lavished over each precious timber chosen to form your personal and unique work of art.
It is only dedication and skill of the craftsman that create the luxurious lustre of traditional hand French polishing. The natural crown lemon Shellac burnished with pure aromatic beeswax is synonymous with the Wheathills memory box. The only finish that evolves a patination over time.
The Wheathills Story
The Heldreich family has run a successful business associated with luxury trades for more than two hundred years. Family members have maintained the long-standing tradition utilising passed down skills and experience. Today under the helmsmanship of Nigel Heldreich, the business combines the benefit of inherited skill with training and the use of cutting edge technology.
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The founder of the UK branch of the Heldreich family was a Prussian aristocrat named Otto Ernst Wolff von Heldreich. At the age of 24 years old, Lieutenant von Heldreich was captured at the Battle of Flushing by the British and imprisoned at Ashbourne Derbyshire in 1809, where he was later set up as a varnish maker. He met and married a local inn keeper’s daughter who gave birth to their first son Theodore Otto Alexander - the first of the UK born Heldreich line. Otto Ernst abnegated his life of privilege in Prussia, knowing his UK wife and family would be shunned there.
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During the C19th Otto and his siblings worked as artisan painters, chandelier makers, metal workers, sculptors and clock makers. Then during the C20th, with the support of his sons, George Heldreich founded the Antique Furniture Restoration and Piano Removal Company. The company was the first in the area to use automation as opposed to horse and cart to transport goods around the province.
During the 1990's Harold, son of George, began specialising in French polishing and conservation, successfully completing many national treasure restoration projects such as Lincoln Crown Court, Sommersall Hall and Croxall Hall to name but a few. Nigel, Harold's son, has kept true to the family tradition of innovation by embracing a blend of traditional skills and modern technology.
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Now named Wheathills, since 2001. The business is internationally renowned for its uniquely designed bespoke memory boxes, conversational furniture pieces and its diverse raft of skills in conservation and restoration of period buildings and their contents.
© 2024 by Wheathills