Foreword
I sat down to write this foreword on the day that the founder of this firm (my father Ronald) passed away at the age of 97.
There would have been no antique business in our name had it not been for him. I am incredibly lucky that he established a wonderful showroom in Mayfair after first opening in South Kensington in 1952. I joined my father in the business in July 1979, but I had always known from about the age of ten that I wanted to be an antique dealer too. From then on my father kept saying, since I knew what I wanted to do, why didn't I leave school early? I was also constantly reminded of the stock we could have purchased instead of paying exorbitant school fees.
I thank him for making all of this possible. He never lost his enthusiasm or interest in the business, and he would invariably ask how the catalogues and fairs were progressing. He so looked forward to seeing the latest catalogue, and he would have been happy to see the kettle stand on page 96 which he sold in 1956. He will be missed by us all.
Many wonderful pieces adorn the following pages. A large number have been purchased privately and have not been on the market for many years. It is not possible to mention all the great pieces of furniture that are included, but I will draw attention to a few of my favourites.
The pair of Adam torchères on page 7 are amazing and should really be in a museum. The large silver table on page 15, which came from the Channel Islands and was at the Grosvenor House Fair in 1951, is simply the best. The pair of painted mirrors on page 26, sold by Moss Harris in 1947, are quite incredible, of wonderful quality and with the most beautiful original decoration. particularly noteworthy too are the truly exceptional pair of demi-lune tables probably by Thomas Chippendale on page 30. Finally, the Chinese cabinet with mirror paintings on page 260 is not only unique but also an astonishing masterpiece in every respect.
As always, I thank my loyal staff for all their help compiling this catalogue.
I look forward to seeing you at the Treasure House fair from 24 to 30 June and (a new venture for us) the LAPADA fair in Berkeley Square in late October.
Best wishes,
Simon Phillips
