At Francone Bespoke Taps, we take immense pride in our Northern Italian heritage of brass craftsmanship. The Piedmont region of Italy is renowned for its mastery of traditional metalworking, particularly the creation of handcrafted brass taps and luxury bathroom fixtures. In this guide, we explore the benefits of working with skilled artisans when commissioning bespoke brass taps and custom bathroom fittings, as well as key considerations that naturally form part of the process when creating made-to-order pieces with living brass finishes.
Why Choose Francone Bespoke Taps?
Unparalleled Craftsmanship
At Francone Bespoke Taps, our fixtures are created by highly skilled artisans who have perfected their craft over decades, often within family-run workshops in Northern Italy. This deep-rooted expertise ensures every solid brass tap, shower fitting, and bathroom accessory is meticulously handcrafted to the highest standards. The result is bespoke brassware that combines durability, precision engineering, and timeless design.
A Legacy of Italian Brass Craftsmanship
Northern Italy is internationally recognised for its heritage in brass craftsmanship and metalworking. At Francone, we proudly continue this tradition by blending time-honoured artisan techniques with refined British design influences. This unique combination allows us to produce handcrafted brass taps and luxury bathroom fixtures that feel both classic and contemporary, designed to endure beautifully for generations.
Complete Bespoke Customisation
Our bespoke brass tap service allows clients to customise nearly every aspect of their fixture. From dimensions and finishes to intricate design details, each piece can be tailored to suit the requirements of a specific bathroom or kitchen project. This flexibility ensures that every handcrafted brass tap or shower fitting integrates perfectly within the overall interior design scheme.
Superior Quality Materials
At Francone Bespoke Taps, we use only the finest solid brass, sourced from trusted suppliers, to create luxury brass taps and handcrafted bathroom fixtures that combine durability with timeless design. Solid brass is valued for its strength, longevity, and natural resistance to corrosion, making it the ideal material for bespoke bathroom taps and shower fittings.
Our unlacquered brass taps are particularly prized for their ability to develop a natural living patina over time, allowing each fixture to evolve beautifully with use. This ageing process adds warmth, depth, and character, giving every tap a unique appearance that reflects the environment in which it is installed.
We are also expanding our collection with a new range of stainless steel taps, offering a contemporary alternative for those seeking a refined finish with exceptional durability and performance.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability sits at the heart of our production process. At Francone Bespoke Taps, we prioritise responsibly sourced materials, minimise waste wherever possible, and rely on traditional artisan techniques that are naturally more sustainable than large-scale industrial manufacturing.
By creating handcrafted brass taps and fixtures designed to last for decades, we reduce the need for frequent replacement and support a more responsible, long-term approach to luxury bathroom design.
Navigating the Bespoke Process
While the benefits of working with Francone Bespoke Taps are many, the process of creating bespoke brass taps and custom bathroom fixtures requires careful craftsmanship and time.
Understanding Lead Times
Crafting handmade brass taps and bespoke bathroom fittings is a meticulous process that cannot be rushed. While we keep stock of many products in unlacquered brass, custom pieces are made to order, allowing our artisans to refine every detail according to your exact specifications.
This means lead times may be longer than standard off-the-shelf fixtures, but the result is a truly bespoke tap crafted to the highest standards of Italian brass craftsmanship. Throughout the process, we work closely with our clients to set realistic timelines and maintain clear communication.
Typical lead times include:
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Unlacquered brass taps: approximately 2–6 weeks
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Other finishes or bespoke work: approximately 6–12 weeks
These lead times reflect the multiple stages involved in producing artisan brass fixtures.
All of our brass products begin as unlacquered solid brass. When a different finish is required, the products move through several specialised stages across multiple workshops. Components are first disassembled and sent for finishing, sometimes in two separate processes. They are then carefully reassembled, polished where necessary, and finally quality tested to ensure the highest level of craftsmanship and performance.
While this process can occasionally extend production timelines, it ensures that every Francone Bespoke Tap meets the exceptional standards our clients expect.
Planning for Artisan Production
While we always aim to build contingency time into our lead times, there are occasions when bespoke orders may take slightly longer than anticipated. This is because every Francone Bespoke Tap is carefully crafted and inspected to ensure it meets the highest standards of artisan brass craftsmanship before reaching our clients.
For this reason, we strongly recommend that customers avoid scheduling fixed installation dates with tradespeople until all bespoke brass taps and bathroom fixtures have arrived on site and been fully inspected. While this may require additional planning during renovation projects, it is an important consideration when working with handcrafted, made-to-order products.
Clear Communication Throughout the Process
Effective communication is essential to the success of any bespoke design project. At Francone Bespoke Taps, we work closely with our clients, designers, and installers to ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible.
While we always do our best to minimise delays and keep clients informed, it is important to understand that the production of artisan-made brass taps and fixtures differs greatly from the manufacturing of mass-produced products. Traditional craftsmanship requires time, care, and attention to detail at every stage of production.
Investing in Timeless Quality
Choosing bespoke brass taps and handcrafted bathroom fixtures represents an investment in exceptional craftsmanship. The cost reflects the time, expertise, and premium materials required to create each piece.
At Francone Bespoke Taps, we believe this investment is worthwhile. Our fixtures are designed to combine durability, functionality, and timeless design, ensuring they remain a distinctive feature of your bathroom or kitchen for many years to come.
Appreciating the Natural Patina
Our unlacquered brass finishes are designed to age gracefully over time. As the brass is exposed to air, moisture, and touch, it gradually develops a natural patina, adding depth, warmth, and character to the surface. This evolving appearance is a defining feature of unlacquered brass taps and handcrafted bathroom fixtures, creating a living finish that becomes more distinctive with use. Rather than remaining static, the material develops a unique story that reflects the environment in which it is installed.
Embracing Handcrafted Variation
At Francone Bespoke Taps, we celebrate the individuality that comes with true artisan craftsmanship. Because every bespoke brass tap and fixture is handcrafted, subtle variations may occur from one piece to another. These small differences are not imperfections but a reflection of the traditional techniques used in their creation.
This handcrafted variability gives each fixture its own unique character, ensuring that no two pieces are ever exactly the same. We encourage our clients to appreciate these subtle distinctions, as they highlight the authenticity and artistry behind every handmade brass tap.
Timeless Italian Craftsmanship
Choosing Francone Bespoke Taps means investing in Italian artisan craftsmanship, solid brass materials, and bespoke design. Each fixture is carefully crafted to combine durability, functionality, and timeless aesthetics. The result is a luxury brass tap or shower fitting that brings a distinctive and personal touch to your home and can be enjoyed for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are artisan-made brass taps?
Artisan-made brass taps are handcrafted fixtures created by skilled craftsmen rather than mass-produced in factories. Each tap is individually made using traditional metalworking techniques and high-quality solid brass, ensuring durability, character, and exceptional attention to detail.
Why choose bespoke brass taps instead of mass-produced taps?
Bespoke brass taps offer superior craftsmanship, customisation, and longevity. Unlike factory-produced taps, artisan brass fixtures are made with greater care, often using higher quality materials such as solid brass and traditional finishing techniques.
Where are Francone Bespoke Taps made?
Francone Bespoke Taps are designed in the UK and handcrafted by skilled artisans in Piedmont, Northern Italy, a region known for its long-standing heritage in brass craftsmanship and metalworking.
How long do bespoke brass taps take to make?
Lead times for bespoke brass taps typically range from 2–6 weeks for stock finishes and 6–12 weeks for bespoke or special finishes. Each piece is carefully crafted, assembled, and finished by artisans before delivery.
Do brass taps develop a patina over time?
Yes. Many solid brass taps, particularly unlacquered brass finishes, naturally develop a patina over time. This living finish evolves with use and exposure to air, creating a unique character that enhances the appearance of the brass.
Are artisan brass taps durable?
Yes. Solid brass is one of the most durable materials used in bathroom and kitchen fixtures. Artisan brass taps are designed to last for decades, making them a long-term investment in quality craftsmanship.
