About Us

About Governor’s Architectural Salvage

Central Virginia’s Destination for Architectural Salvage, Antique Ironwork & Reclaimed Building Materials

Founded in 1970 by the late Gary Thomas, Governor’s Antiques & Architectural Materials has grown from a small local antiques shop into one of Central Virginia’s largest and most complete architectural salvage companies.
For more than five decades, we’ve helped homeowners, builders, preservationists, and designers find authentic reclaimed building materials and antique architectural elements that add history, craftsmanship, and character to any project.

From Fine Antiques to Architectural Salvage

In 2019, we shifted our focus from traditional fine antiques to what truly defines our work today — architectural salvage.
Our extensive inventory includes:

• Historic doors and windows

• Vintage lighting fixtures

• Clawfoot bathtubs and plumbing fixtures

• Antique mantels and trim

• Reclaimed wood and beams

• Wrought iron fencing, gates, and hardware

• Garden ornaments, columns, and stonework

Our main emphasis now is on architectural materials reclaimed from historic Richmond homes, buildings, and estates throughout Virginia. Every piece tells a story—and offers a chance to give old craftsmanship new life.

Custom Ironwork & Antique Metal Fabrication in Richmond, VA

Our on-site iron fabrication shop sets Governor’s apart. We provide custom welding and ironwork services for both residential and commercial clients across Richmond and Central Virginia.
Our specialties include:

• Custom fabrication of wrought iron gates, fences, and railings

• Restoration and replication of antique iron and steel pieces

• Ornamental and structural iron design

• Architectural hardware repair and fabrication

From restoring a 19th-century gate to fabricating a custom iron feature for a modern build, our team blends traditional craftsmanship with today’s precision tools to ensure lasting quality and design integrity.

Explore Our Ever-Changing Salvage Inventory

With more than three million items in stock, Governor’s Architectural Salvage is a true Richmond area landmark for those who love history, architecture, and design. Our inventory changes daily — no two visits are ever the same.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see what’s new in-store: reclaimed wood, antique lighting, salvaged doors, mantels, vintage advertising, and architectural ironwork. There's always something new to find. 

Visit Us in Mechanicsville, Just Five Miles Outside of Richmond

Our 7-acre property just outside Richmond, Virginia, is open to the public and packed with one-of-a-kind architectural finds. Whether you’re a DIY homeowner, contractor, designer, or collector, we invite you to stop by, explore, and be inspired.

📍 Governor’s Architectural Salvage
Built for those who love the past—and know how to make it part of the future.

Why Choose Governor’s

• One of Virginia’s (and the nation's) largest architectural salvage destinations

• Specialists in antique ironwork, custom welding, and metal fabrication

• Serving Richmond, Ashland, Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover, and Goochland

• Locally owned and operated since 1970

• Dedicated to preservation, sustainability, and reuse