About RetroTime

RetroTime is a specialist dealer in mid-century modern British vintage homewares, based in Chelmsford, Essex. We source, restore and sell genuine pieces from the golden age of British domestic design — the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s — a period when designers and manufacturers produced some of the most confident, characterful and beautifully made objects ever to hang on a British wall.

A Passion for the Period

There is something about mid-century design that no modern reproduction can replicate. The materials are real — solid teak, brass, spun fibreglass, hand-printed textile — and the craftsmanship reflects an era when British factories were at their peak. A Metamec sunburst clock from the Dereham factory, an Anstey & Wilson brass starburst, a Heal's screen-printed wall panel: these are not just decorative objects. They are pieces of social and industrial history, made by skilled workers at companies that defined British interiors for a generation.

At RetroTime, we believe these pieces deserve to be appreciated and enjoyed — not left to deteriorate in a loft or disappear into landfill.

What We Do

Every piece we sell is individually sourced and carefully assessed. Where a clock requires restoration — a new quartz movement, cleaning, or mechanical attention — we carry out that work ourselves, to a standard we are proud of. We only sell items we would be happy to hang on our own walls.

We specialise in wall clocks and textile wall art, with a particular focus on iconic British makers: Metamec, Anstey & Wilson, Smiths, Acctim, and Westclox, alongside rarer finds from designers such as Peter McCulloch for Heal's and Roger Limbrick for Hull Traders. We also occasionally offer lighting, furniture and other mid-century homewares when the right pieces come our way.

Why Buy From RetroTime

• Every piece is genuine vintage — honestly described and accurately dated
• Clocks are restored and fully working unless otherwise stated
• We pack carefully — every item is wrapped to survive the journey
• Free tracked delivery across the UK on all orders
• We ship internationally, with all US import duties and taxes covered upfront

Get in Touch

If you have a question about a piece, want to know more about its history, or are looking for something specific, we would love to hear from you. Vintage collecting is a conversation, and we enjoy having it.

Contact us today.