Our Story

The Antique Stove Shop and Gallery opened for business in April 1994 with Brian Batchley as lead restorer and Bernie Flanagan as general manager. Together, they realized that they could combine their artistic  inclinations and mechanical abilities  to create a new venture, restoring beautiful, classic American stoves. They hoped to make a living while pursuing their passion for fine American craftsmanship.

The shop has been operating in the same location, 223 S. Laurel Street, Ventura, California, since 1995.  We are proud to be a real brick and mortar stove shop, not some Johnny-come-lately “virtual” store. In the 21 years we’ve been operating, our dedicated staff has sold and restored hundreds of antique and vintage stoves. Not to drop names (but this is California, after all), we’ve been fortunate to have restored stoves belonging to Steve McQueen, Vincent Price and even one rumored to have belonged to Al Capone. And we even restored the stove that came out of the Beverly Hillbillys’ mansion. (The one pictured on our home page).

Our showroom is essentially a working museum of early to mid-century stovecraft. You  can come in and see the whole process. From Soup to Dessert. There are  beautifully restored models to view in our showroom, and we also have a lower gallery in which to view dozens of more diamonds-in-the-rough–unrestored pieces waiting for your personal touch–to select your own porcelain colors, and or chrome or copper finishes.

American Artisans

Over the years, we have developed a  national reputation as premier restoration specialists second to none. We have gained vast, specialized experience and knowledge in all things stove related. That is reflected in everything we touch. We know and  love what we do as American Artisans.

Knowing that each project we complete will stand the test of time, and will bring our customers many years of satisfaction and pride in their beautiful kitchen centerpiece, is our greatest reward.

We are keeping alive the tradition— when “Made in America”  meant everything.

We especially appreciate  and enjoy restoring classics from the 1940’s and 50’s. This is when many great American brands were at their zenith, including Wedgewood, O’Keefe & Merritt,  and Chambers.  We love what we do as American Artisan’s.

And of course part of that tradition is interacting with and supporting our local community, whether it be local vendors, artisans or charities. We have been members of the local Chamber of Commerce, and “Hall of Fame”  members of the Better Business Bureau.

Easy to find

We are conveniently located in downtown Ventura, on California’s Central Coast, only minutes from Freeway exits off Highway 101. Our showroom is open six days a week (closed Monday), daily from 10-3 and weekends from 10-1. Viewing is also available by appointment. If you are coming from out of town, we suggest you call first to be sure staff isn’t out on deliveries.   We look forward to meeting you!

Why not plan your stove shopping in conjunction with a visit to beautiful Ventura, California? If you are coming from out of state or county, I will personally walk you down to the Ventura Pier ( 5 minutes) away and treat you to the best fish tacos around! And if you purchase a stove, I will even spring for dessert!

Bernie “the Stoveman”  Flanagan – proprietor

Please feel free to call or text us at 1 (805) 421-8926, or email here.