Found a great site today – it makes fabulous items, such as belts and handbags out of old fire hoses. Love it!!
The company is called Elvis & Kresse, and products from their range have been worn by such celeb-tastic people as Cameron Diaz, who modelled it in the June 2009 issue of US Vogue. They have also been to a reception at Downing Street for British entrepreneurs – and took the chance to snap a picture of the Downing Street policeman with one of their handbags!
Their website says that Elvis & Kresse create stunning life-style accessories by re-engineering seemingly useless waste. Their pioneering Fire-Hose range is, as the name suggests, made from de-commissioned British fire brigade hoses. These hoses, after their fire fighting careers are over, would otherwise have been destined to rot away the rest of their lives in landfill.
The company gives 50 per cent of the profits from the fire-hose line to the Fire Fighters Charity.
As well as bags and belts, they also make iPhone cases, key rings, and cufflinks. They have an ‘At Home’ range, which includes candlestick holders which are made from decommissioned fire-hose couplings. The couplings, which are made from robust aluminium, are will last and last, and come with two fire-hose coasters to rest them on.
Fire hoses are one of the many and varied products that are sold by the lovely people at Fire Protection Online, and as usual they offer tip top discounts so that you can get heavy duty equipment without the heavy duty price tag – hurrah!
The type 2 layflat fire hose comes in 60 or 75 feet lengths, and meets British Standards. It is resistant to scuffing and wear because it has a tough polyurethane coating, so when it is in use on concrete or rough surfaces (as these things often are) there is a layer of protection. All the couplings are UK Fire Service standard, so the equipment will be compatible with the hoses that the fire brigade use.
In an emergency situation, you might need access to water from a fire hydrant – and you’ll need to be able to get at it pretty sharpish. The underground valves can be nestling beneath accumulated muddy water, and as time is of the essence in an emergency it is crucial that you can access the hydrant quickly. Using something like a hydrant key and bar means that the hard work is done for you, and the key and bar system will fit the standard BS750 2 ½” BSRT male valves (and yes, that is a giant mouthful, and no, I’m not entirely sure what it means. I just know that it is a good thing. Trust me on this.)
So, for all your fire hose needs, you now know where to come. You also know that there is somewhere that will recycle all this equipment into fun and funky accessories once it has fulfilled its use. Pretty darn groovy I think.
