A fine example of Henry Woodyer's hand: these Gothic Revival entrance doors, dated 1864–65, come from the original buildings of Cranleigh School, Surrey. A closer look reveals internal matchboarding, criss-cross bracing, and incised wrought-iron hinges—all characteristic of Woodyer's work.

Hidden for a century in the Godalming Institute attic, this c.1903 wooden round louvered vent was never meant for a building. It is actually a joiner's apprentice piece. Made for City & Guilds exams, it perfectly showcases a young woodworker's mastery of Edwardian craftsmanship.

A salvaged survivor, this seventeenth‑century paneled door retains Tudor‑leaning scratch mouldings, chamfered edges, and a latch that still wants to click. Once bare oak, it was later painted and raised with one (perhaps two) planks at the top. Today it’s wearing St Patrick’s Day green! 🍀

A survivor from Orient House on London’s New Broad Street, this c.1907–08 baluster features crisp uprights, framed circles, and wrought-iron scrolls that project from the newel almost like a signature. It was sectioned and saved in 1987–88 when the building was demolished. The façade remains today.

Earlier this month, we welcomed BA Interior Architecture & Design students from the University of Portsmouth to our warehouse. Among doors, windows, and fittings, they traced the language of making through sketches, rubbings, and plasticine impressions. We can’t wait to see where these studies lead!

Through the Round Window... Just over four months since @thebrooking.bsky.social launched on Instagram and Facebook – even as a trustee of the collection I'm learning so much from these posts! www.instagram.com/p/DUS_F7DDok...

We are looking for a new trustee to join the board of the Brooking Museum of Architectural Detail, @thebrooking.bsky.social. It’s an exciting time as we shape the future of the charity - find out more and apply app.nurole.com/roles/6964e1...

Nurole | The Brooking - Trustees

<p class="mb-2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Brooking is seeking to appoint two committed and dynamic Board members who can support the charity through an exciting period of tran...

app.nurole.com

🚸 Imagine generations of schoolchildren passing through this grand door from Ripley Church School, crafted in 1846 with striking Gothic ironwork. Originally painted green, the door now displays its solid oak, carefully revealed by the restoration work of our Founding Collector, Charles Brooking.

Want to join our trustee board at this exciting time for The Brooking? app.nurole.com/roles/6964e1...

Nurole | The Brooking - Trustees

<p class="mb-2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Brooking is seeking to appoint two committed and dynamic Board members who can support the charity through an exciting period of tran...

app.nurole.com

New year, new equipment: a larger trolley custom-built to handle our collection, with no more tipping when we move hefty doors! The trolley is already earning its keep by helping our staff to move a cell door from Guildford Police Station, which dates to 1854.

Exciting things are starting to happen @thebrooking.bsky.social (where I am a trustee). If you’re interested in buildings and their history you should be following! @constructionhist.bsky.social one for your followers maybe?

The Brooking – breathing life into architecture@thebrooking.bsky.social · 10mo ago

👋 Here at @thebrooking.bsky.social, our collection casts a new light on British #architecture, revealing the stories behind #doors, #windows, and other details we often overlook. We breathe life into the familiar and invite you to see the remarkable in the everyday. thebrooking.org.uk

This month, we had the pleasure of welcoming Giles Quarme Architects to our collection to explore sash windows, staircases, and more, guided by Charles Brooking. Such visits are currently by appointment only as we organize and inventory the collection, but more online access is coming soon!

👋 Here at @thebrooking.bsky.social, our collection casts a new light on British #architecture, revealing the stories behind #doors, #windows, and other details we often overlook. We breathe life into the familiar and invite you to see the remarkable in the everyday. thebrooking.org.uk

Are you Hampshire-based, a good hands-on administrator, with experience of facilities management or storage of objects? Check out this freelance role helping a growing architectural heritage charity. www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...

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Until we're ready to start posting on social media, please check our website for up-to-date information about The Brooking, the world's largest collection of British architectural detail.