Reclaimed Radiator Brochure

Professionally restored 

antique cast iron radiators 

bringing heritage into your home

Bringing 

heritage 

into your 

home 

“The Edwardian period remains a high water mark in the quality of the 

engineering, design and manufacture of cast iron radiators, and in the 

elaboration and refinement of ornamental detail. We take great pride in 

restoring new life to these outstanding examples of our industrial and design 

heritage. Many of our restored radiators retain their original design model and 

serial number identification.” 

“To Suzie, Katie, Dale, and all the other staff at Ribble Reclamation and Ribble Radiators. 

I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to you all for your help support Patience and for guiding me through the 

process of choosing our fantastic radiators that fit into our small two bed fisherman’s cottage perfectly. 

I would not hesitate in recommending you and your radiators in the future, and please if you have any customers 

who for any reason are still not certain even after talking to Dale, I would be pleased to talk with them.” 

Paul (fisherman’s cottage in Lytham) 

“Recently when another RADIATOR COMPANY let me down with an urgent order I scoured the internet looking 

for a supplier who could get me a cast radiator in time to make the deadline 

I contacted Ribble Radiators and after discussing my requirements using their Online Chat facility I was able 

to establish that they could supply a variety of Cast Iron Radiator assembled and painted to the colour of my 

customers requirements in less than half the time of their nearest competitor. 

I would recommend them to others and would certainly use then again next time I need a cast iron radiator.” 

Steven Newbutt (Sales Estimator, Robert Pochin Ltd) 

Suzie Johnson - Ribble Radiators 

“Just wanted to say thank you for completing our order. We are very happy with our radiators and for the service 

and help that Suzie provided whilst we were ‘trying’ to decide what to go for :) It’s a difficult decision without 

seeing the radiators but we were guided throughout and felt confident that we made the right decisions. Thanks 

again for your help and our lovely radiators.” 

Gary & Clare (Aonach Mor - self catering holiday apartments and cottages) 

“Our experience of dealing with Ribble Radiators was excellent! From start to finish they gave us a firstclass 

service. The initial quote was good and was speedily delivered, the radiators were collected and 

returned on the specified dates and the staff were incredibly helpful when it came to selecting valves and 

other equipment. The radiators looked superb when we unwrapped them. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend 

Ribble Radiators to anyone looking for a great radiator refurbishment service. A ‘5 star’ company.” 

Phil (Yellow Door Contracts)

Cast iron radiators 

-a brief history 

About Ribble Radiators 

A 

s part of Ribble Reclamation, Lancashire’s largest and best known architectural salvage 

company, the team at Ribble Radiators have specialised for over 20 years in the sourcing, 

restoration, refurbishment and supply of traditional cast iron radiators both across the UK 

and internationally. 

With one of the largest stocks of reclaimed traditional cast iron radiators in the country, our 

extensive range offers a stylish and efficient addition to today’s modern domestic or commercial 

heating systems and work beautifully with both traditional and contemporary interior design. 

With a highly experienced and knowledgeable team, combined with our investment in the very 

best equipment and purpose built on-site facilities at our four acre site in Preston, we supply your 

radiator in a finish of your choice and can match any RAL colour in Cromadex paint as well as 

offering a full range of heritage colours from independent British paint manufacturer, Little Greene. 

Whether you already own a radiator that you would like to see restored, or are looking to choose 

from the wide range of styles and finishes we already hold in stock, we also provide a full range of 

traditional valves and accessories and stand firmly behind our passion and commitment to quality 

with a comprehensive 10 year guarantee. 

We warmly invite you to visit our on site showroom to view the quality and beauty of our heritage 

radiators or why not get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable team. We would be 

delighted to hear from you by phone or email to offer help and advice on choosing a beautiful cast 

iron radiator that is right for you. 

Radiators that work beautifully with 

both traditional and contemporary 

interior design 

T 

raditional cast iron radiators, so familiar to 

us today, emerged in Europe and America in 

the 19th century and became progressively more 

efficient and ornate reaching a peak of development 

in the first part of the twentieth century. By the 

1950’s they were increasingly falling out of favour 

and being replaced, in domestic heating systems, by 

lighter smaller pressed steel radiators more suited to 

modern homes. 

Amongst those credited with the invention of the 

radiator are Franz San Galli, a Russian inventor and 

entrepreneur working in St. Petersburg, and Joseph 

Nason an American engineer. Nason developed an 

early form of radiator in 1841 and received several 

patents for heating systems, whilst Galli received a 

patent for a radiator design in 1857. 

The early American inventors, who led the way in 

bringing cast iron radiators to mass production, 

built on the work of previous French and English 

innovators who had first used piped steam and hot 

air. In England in the early 19th century hot water 

was piped at low pressure in large bore piping to 

provide heating and was used to heat greenhouses 

and botanical hot houses such as the famous Palm 

House at Kew Gardens. 

Joseph Nason 

an American engineer 

developed an early 

form of radiator in 

1841 

In the 1830s, A.M. Perkins, an American working in 

the UK, developed the use of high-pressure, piped 

water systems for heating. The higher pressure 

allowed for the use of smaller piping and gave the 

systems more scope and versatility. 

Radiator design evolved rapidly through various 

configurations of pipes and plates, loops and coils, 

tubes between headings and footings, before finally 

arriving at the sectional designs familiar to us today. 

Sectional designs are ideal for industrial mass 

production and that, together with increasingly 

refined foundry casting techniques, led to a rapid 

growth in the production and adoption of hot water 

radiator heating systems. 

Towards the end of the Victorian period many 

manufacturers were competing for the growing 

business, each with their own unique designs and 

ornamentation. Eventually three of the largest 

combined to form the American Radiator Company 

perhaps the most prominent manufacturer of the 

era. They were known in Britain as the National 

Radiator Company and built a factory in Hull 

manufacturing Ideal radiators with model names 

such as the Circular, the Colonial Wall, the Detroit, 

the Excelsior, the Peerless, and the Rococo. 

Radiator designs continued to evolve in the early part 

of the twentieth century with the development of 

multi column radiator sections, decorative housings 

and fresh air ventilation arrangements. 

Today, cast iron radiators are once again appreciated 

for their beauty and efficiency and are regaining a 

place in stylish domestic interiors.

The Rococo 

Originally manufactured in France in the late 19th 

Century, Rococo radiators typically feature exuberant 

scrollwork and curving decoration based on natural 

forms. The style works extremely well in traditional 

interiors where a hand burnished finish will 

complement and highlight the rich ornamentation of 

the decorative detail. Rococo radiators are scarce in the 

reclamation world, and we are proud to currently have 

one of the best stocks in the country. 

Size specifications 

Reclaimed Rococo radiators are usually either 610mm, 

760mm or 910mm tall. The depth tends to range from 

130mm to 150mm deep or 195mm to 200mm deep with 

the amount of sections varying with each radiator. As 

with all of the reclaimed radiators please contact us for 

details on current stock. 

Technical specifications 

Approximate BTUS/ Watts per section 

Rococo between 130mm and 150mm deep 

610mm high 760mm high 910mm high 

294 BTU 368 BTU 441 BTU 

86 watts 108 watts 129 watts 

Rococo between 195mm and 200mm deep 


420 BTU 526 BTU 631 BTU 

123 watts 154 watts 185 watts 

18th century 

inspired 

ornate detail 

- a French 

design classic

The School 

A clean and functional style of radiator originally widely used in public 

institutions such as schools. The unfussy style and clean lines make this a 

versatile model suitable for most interiors, both traditional and contemporary. 

Choice of paint colour and finish allow this style to be used as a feature item 

or unobtrusively. School radiators are available in a wide range of sizes and we 

always have large stocks awaiting refurbishment. 


Reclaimed school radiators are usually either 460mm, 610mm, 760mm or 

910mm tall. The depth is usually approximately 125mm to 140mm. Please see the 

following pages for a narrower and wider version of the school radiator. As with 

all of the reclaimed radiators please contact us for details on current stock. 



School between 125 mm and 140mm deep 

460mm high 610mm high 760mm high 910mm high 

220 BTU 294 BTU 368 BTU 438 BTU 

64 watts 86 watts 108 watts 128 watts 

The perfect partner for 

your panoramic windows

The Narrow School 

A slim version of the classic school radiator and a popular choice for small spaces 

such as en-suite bathrooms and hallways. 


Reclaimed narrow school radiators are usually either 610mm or 760mm tall. The 

depth is usually approximately 75mm. Please see earlier pages for details on the 

classic school radiator. As with all of the reclaimed radiators please contact us for 

details on current stock. 



Narrow School 75mm deep 

610 mm high 760mm high 

148 BTU 192 BTU 

48 watts 56 watts 

A touch of 

elegance 

with this 

timeless 

space saver

The Wide School 

A larger version of the classic school radiator, ideal when a high BTU 

output is required. 


Reclaimed wide school radiators are usually either 460mm, 610mm, 

760mm or 910mm tall. The depth is usually approximately 190mm deep. 

Please see earlier pages for details on the classic school radiator. As with all 

of the reclaimed radiators please contact us for details on current stock. 



Wide School 190mm deep 


299 BTU 400 BTU 501 BTU 597 BTU 

87 watts 117 watts 146 watts 174 watts 

An elegant radiator, 

with a soft rounded top, 

rounded columns and 

integral splayed legs

The Victorian 4 column 

First created in the USA in the late 19th century, this is one of our most popular radiator models. 

The square top style complements both traditional and contemporary interiors whilst the four 

column design provides both visual interest and extremely efficient heat convention. The Victorian 

is also available in narrower 2, wider 6 and shorter 9 column versions. 

Neo classical design 

for traditional and 

contemporary interiors 


Reclaimed Victorian 4 column radiators are usually either 460mm, 610mm, 760mm or 910mm tall 

and approximately 140mm deep with the amount of sections varying with each radiator. As with all 

of the reclaimed radiators please contact us for details on current stock. 



Victorian 4 column 140mm deep 


225 BTU 318 BTU 411 BTU 499 BTU 

66 watts 93 watts 120 watts 146 watts

The Victorian 

3 column 

Just like the Victorian 4 column this 3 column version, slightly more robust with 

a heavier gage, will suit a variety of settings. The Victorian is also available in 

narrower 2, wider 6 and shorter 9. 


Reclaimed Victorian 3 column radiators are usually either 460mm, 610mm, 

760mm or 910mm tall and approximately 140mm deep with the amount of 

sections varying with each radiator. As with all of the reclaimed radiators please 

contact us for details on current stock. 



Victorian 3 column 140mm deep 


225 BTU 318 BTU 411 BTU 499 BTU 

66 watts 93 watts 120 watts 146 watts

The Duchess 

An elegant radiator, with a soft rounded top, rounded columns and integral 

legs. The style originated in the late Victorian and Edwardian era and 

is most commonly seen featuring two columns, though single and four 

column examples are also found. The rounded design and simple lines 

make this a versatile model and well suited for traditional interiors. 


Duchess radiators are usually either 610mm, 760mm or 910mm tall and 

approximately 115mm to 140mm deep with the amount of sections varying 

with each radiator. As with all of the reclaimed radiators please contact us 

for details on current stock. 



Elegance and 

simplicity 

a regal addition 

to any room 

Duchess 115mm to 140mm deep 


376 BTU 450 BTU 534 BTU 

110 watts 132 watts 157 watts

The Princess 

Hailing from the late 19th Century and sometimes known 

as the Peerless, this versatile radiator will make a beautiful 

feature in any home. 

A true jewel in the 

crown of 

interior design 


Princess radiators are usually either 610mm, 760mm or 

910mm tall and approximately 180 mm to 190mm deep with 

the amount of sections varying with each radiator. As with 

all of the reclaimed radiators please contact us for details on 

current stock. 



Princess 180mm to 190mm deep 


414 BTU 414 BTU 414 BTU 

121 watts 121 watts 121 watts

Rare and Unusual 

Occasionally, through our extensive national and international network of contacts, we purchase antique 

radiators in truly unique and unfamiliar styles. Most often they are reclaimed from buildings in the UK, 

such as churches, iconic old hotels and redundant cinema houses, offering the scope for more varied 

decoration and design but occasionally they are sourced from overseas. We currently have a fine collection 

of columnar radiators in outstanding condition and complete with makers plaques. Examples of our rare 

and unusual radiator stock are shown on the following pages. 

Invest in your 

own truly unique 

piece of design 

history

Professionally 

restored 

to the very 

highest 

standards 

Please bear in mind that our stockholding of rare antique radiators changes frequently and it is worth 

checking our website or contacting our office for details of current inventory.

Accessories 

To accompany each radiator you will need one pair of valves, wall stays and we 

would always recommend a sleeve kit. 

Valves 

We stock a range of manual and thermostatic period style valves, in various finishes, to compliment our reclaimed cast 

iron radiators. You will need one pair of valves per radiator. 

You’re always in 

control of the heat 

output from the your 

radiator 

Manual valves 

Manual valves provide a constant flow 

through the radiator and work by reducing 

or increasing the flow of hot water into the 

Eton Manual Brass 

Eton Manual Satin Nickel 

Eton Manual Pewter 

Eton Manual 

Old English Brass 

Eton Manual Nickel 

Eton Manual Copper 

Eton Manual Chrome 

Eton Manual Black 

Nickel 

radiator. With manual valves you are in 

control of the temperature as you can turn 

the heat up or down as needed. 

Eton Manual Antique 

Brass 

Bentley Traditional Lever 

Manual Valve Antique 

Copper 


Manual Valve Antique 

Brass 


Manual Satin Nickel 

Abbey Manual Throttle 

Valve Pewter 

Abbey Manual Throttle 

Valve Old English Brass 

Abbey Manual Pewter 

Abbey Manual Old 

English Brass 

Thermostatic 

Valves 

Gothic Satin Nickel 

Gothic Antique Copper 

Gothic Antique Brass 

Faringdon Thermostatic 

Radiator Pewter 




Nickel 


Chrome 


Brass 

Thermostatic valves are ideal for 

maintaining the room temperature, once 

you have set the temperature you would 

like each room to be on your thermostat, 

they automatically adjust the heat output 

from the radiator. 


Black Nickel 


Antique Brass 


Satin Nickel 


Antique Copper 

Bentley Thermostatic 

Satin Nickel 


Chrome 


Black Nickel

Wall Stays 

Wall stays help secure cast iron radiators to the wall to prevent them 

being dislodged and also to prevent pipework from being moved. We 

recommend one wall stay for each 10 radiator sections. 

Standard Stainless Steel 

Satin Nickel 

Polsihed Nickel 

Polished Brass 

Pewter 


Chrome 

Black Nickel 

Antique Brass 

Sleeve Kits 

Sleeve kits are a very popular accessory, used to decoratively conceal 

your copper pipe work and add the finishing touch to your cast iron 

radiator installation. 

Satin Nickel 

Polsihed Nickel 

Pewter 


Chrome 

Stunning period 

accessories to 

enhance your 

radiators 

Brass 

Black Nickel 

Antique Copper 

Antique Brass

heritage 

colours 

or classic 

polished 

finish match 

any decor 

Paint finish 

Our restored radiators can be painted and polished to your 

exact requirements in our own on-site state of the art spraying 

and finishing workshop. 

We offer a full range of paint choices and will match any 

specified colour from the Classic RAL* colour range using high 

quality Cromadex* paint. Radiators are coated with an anticorrosive 

primer prior to paint application. 

We also offer the luxury Little Greene paint range of heritage 

and period colours (supplement charged). Here you will find 

authentic paint shades and pigments spanning 300 years of 

decorative history and offering a finish of outstanding depth 

and quality. 

* RAL is a European wide standard for the definition and 

standardisation of colour shades. 

* Cromadex paint is manufactured by AkzoNobel, the world’s 

largest supplier of paints and finishes. 

Polished finish 

A polished finish will enhance the appearance of your radiator 

and will accentuate the individual character of cast iron and 

of any decorative detail. 

Standard polish finish uses a light abrasive on the surface of 

the cast iron, which then receives a light coating of oil. The oil 

coating is maintained by re-applying oil from time to time. 

This finish is not suitable for areas exposed frequently to 

moisture such as bathrooms or kitchens. 

QAAND 

Q 

Are reclaimed radiators suitable for my existing 

central heating system? 

Our reclaimed cast iron radiators, which have undergone 

the full refurbishment process, can be fitted straight into 

a modern central heating system. If the property has 

microbore pipe work you will need an additional adapter 

which can be bought from plumber’s merchants. 

Q 

Can I put the pipework in place ahead of 

receiving the actual radiators? 

It is best to wait until radiators are delivered before setting 

pipework in place, however we can send approximate 

measurements across ahead of delivery. 

Q 

Who should install my radiator? 

Reclaimed radiators should only be installed by a qualified 

plumber or heating engineer. We may be able to recommend 

somebody in your area so please ask. 

Q 

What are Watts / BTUs and how do I convert them? 

They are units of power. You can convert Watts into BTU’s by 

applying the following: 

BTU’s – Watts – Divide by 3.412 

Watts – BTU’s – Multiply by 3.412 

Q 

How do I calculate what heat output I need from my 

radiator(s) to heat my room? 

Firstly you will need the dimensions of the room, then either 

use the BTU Calculator on our website or contact one of our 

friendly team and we will gladly assist. 

The 

Reclamation 

Process 

Sourcing our cast iron radiators from schools, 

churches, hospitals and civic buildings, hotels and 

homes, we have implemented a standardised and 

highly quality controlled five step process, which is 

followed by our team of restoration experts, using the 

very latest materials and equipment at our Preston site. 

Step 1 

Original valves and bushes are removed. 

Step 2 

The radiator is then fully immersed into a chemical 

dipping tank for a period of time in order to remove 

all the existing paint and to clean the inside of the 

radiator. 

Step 3 

The radiator is now ready to be re-bushed. This is 

done with new bushes in order to make the radiator 

compatible with modern pipework. 

Step 4 

After this point the radiator now goes through a 

thorough pressure test to ensure that there are no leaks 

or weaknesses. 

Step 5 

Once fully tested and checked, the radiator is now 

finally ready to be primed and painted in a colour of 

your choice. 

Only by passionately and diligently having full control 

of the reclamation and refurbishment process can we 

be absolutely sure to meet our exacting quality control 

standards and deliver the very best service to you, 

our customer.

Ordering 

& delivery 

You can place an order online, by phone, or contact us 

by email or why not pay us a visit at our Lancashire 

showroom, open 6 days a week. 

For all of our cast iron radiators and accessories we 

offer nationwide and international delivery or of 

course, you are free to collect in person from our 

Lancashire showroom. 

Cast iron radiators are wrapped, palleted and sent 

by haulier with standard delivery taking 2-3 days for 

items in-stock. Next day delivery, Saturday and timed 

delivery can also be arranged for an extra charge. 

Pallets can carry a single radiator or several, 

depending on the style and height and the driver will 

offload using a pallet trolley to the kerbside only. 

Please note that the pallet trolley can only operate on 

flat, hard standing areas and that once removed from 

the pallet, the radiators must be held vertically whilst 

being moved. 

Should access be a problem, please contact us as we 

can advise on and arrange specialised delivery if 

necessary. 

For more information on product selection, pricing 

and lead times and delivery, please do get in touch 

with a member of our friendly and very experienced 

team who will be more than happy to discuss your 

specific needs. 

We would love to hear from you! 

We accept most major credit and debit cards (not 

American Express), bank transfer, payment by cheque 

with guarantee card and of course we will accept cash 

if you are placing your order at our showroom. 

Ribble Radiators 

Ducie Place 

Preston 

PR14UJ 

Tel:+44 (0)1772 794534 

Fax: +44 (0)1772 794604 

Email: info@ribbleradiators.co.uk 

Showroom and collections 

Opening Hours 

Monday to Saturday 8:00am - 5:00pm 

Directions 

Directions: Come off the M6 motorway at Junction 31. 

Head up the hill towards Preston and we are the 5th left 

after the garage. 

www.ribbleradiators.co.uk

Reclaimed Radiator Brochure

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