A brief History of Dernier & Hamlyn.
From 1950
In 1950 Derniers Chief designer, Leonard Gardiner, took on a young apprentice draughtsmen named Peter Hall. Little did Leonard know that his school leaver prodigy would go on to have a Derniers career spanning 50 years and whose designs would grace countless buildings in London and around the world. As Peters career developed (youngest ever appointed Director) so did his designs.
From his early years creating ship lightings for the great cruise liners to the fabulous historic fittings in the Palace of Westminster, Peter managed to combine what in others would have been several separate jobs.
In 1950 Derniers Chief designer, Leonard Gardiner, took on a young apprentice draughtsmen named Peter Hall. Little did Leonard know that his school leaver prodigy would go on to have a Derniers career spanning 50 years and whose designs would grace countless buildings in London and around the world. As Peters career developed (youngest ever appointed Director) so did his designs.
From his early years creating ship lightings for the great cruise liners to the fabulous historic fittings in the Palace of Westminster, Peter managed to combine what in others would have been several separate jobs.
Not only was he an accomplished draughtsman but also a highly qualified lighting engineer and in addition a wonderful artist.
In 1969 Peter and a fellow director bought the company. By now Peter had become an acknowledged expert on historic lighting and his designs took Derniers back to the very top of the decorative lighting trade. One of Peter's greatest projects was the refurbishment of the Foreign & Commonwealth office in Whitehall. This great historic building had extensive works part of which was an entire lighting scheme that showed the very best of Derniers works.
In 1989 shortly after undergoing heart surgery, Peter sold the company but remained chief designer. Unfortunately things did not go well and in 1994 with a bad financial climate taking it's toll, Derniers ended up in the hands of the receivers.
Fortunately Derniers was rescued and was re-established by the Denmans group and re-located to Vauxhall. During this period Peter Hall had had once again taken up the position of Managing Director which he held until February 1999.
In 1998 Derniers completed one of it's biggest ever contracts which was the new Parliament buildings at Stormont Castle, Northern Ireland. This contract at a value of £1.5million was completed on time and within budget and was considered one of our most successful ever.
In 1969 Peter and a fellow director bought the company. By now Peter had become an acknowledged expert on historic lighting and his designs took Derniers back to the very top of the decorative lighting trade. One of Peter's greatest projects was the refurbishment of the Foreign & Commonwealth office in Whitehall. This great historic building had extensive works part of which was an entire lighting scheme that showed the very best of Derniers works.
In 1989 shortly after undergoing heart surgery, Peter sold the company but remained chief designer. Unfortunately things did not go well and in 1994 with a bad financial climate taking it's toll, Derniers ended up in the hands of the receivers.
Fortunately Derniers was rescued and was re-established by the Denmans group and re-located to Vauxhall. During this period Peter Hall had had once again taken up the position of Managing Director which he held until February 1999.
In 1998 Derniers completed one of it's biggest ever contracts which was the new Parliament buildings at Stormont Castle, Northern Ireland. This contract at a value of £1.5million was completed on time and within budget and was considered one of our most successful ever.
