1 What is your area of focus?
With my wife Phillipa, we are a family-run business established since 1966. Our focus is 17th-20th century fine art, furniture and bespoke furniture and design. With more than 50 years’ experience in the business we have both our own stock and many private collections available to us.
2 One great discovery you’ve made?
I have made quite a few over the years – unfortunately none have made me faint at auction yet. My favourite has to be a very special 26ft long 16th century refectory table, which is still used frequently by the client and his guests.
3 What’s really exciting about the antiques trade right now?
The trend moving away from soulless, minimalist interiors.
4 What is something you wish was better understood?
The term ‘brown furniture’. Most of this has numerous colours with various inlays. The term has been used in a very negative way (especially in the press) when even the most standard piece of Georgian furniture looks fabulous as a ‘stand-alone’ piece in a modern interior.
5 Sky is the limit – what is one artwork you’d love to have in your home?
Any oil painting by Sir Lawrence Alma Tadema. Maybe Spring, an absolute master.
If you would like to be featured in 5 Questions, please contact francesallitt@antiquestradegazette.com
