Ronald Phillips Shows Historic Treasures at TEFAF New York
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World renowned London-based antiques dealer Ronald Phillips is presenting a selection of extremely important items at the inaugural edition of TEFAF New York (booth 66), including “The Bridgwater House Porphyry Dolphin Tables,” “The Elvaston Castle Mirr
Ronald Phillips Shows Historic Treasures at TEFAF New York
World renowned London-based antiques dealer Ronald Phillips is presenting a selection of extremely important items at the inaugural edition of TEFAF New York (booth 66), including “The Bridgwater House Porphyry Dolphin Tables,” “The Elvaston Castle Mirrors,” and “The St. Giles House Commodes.”Originally part of a suite of at least 12 tables commissioned by George Granville Leveson-Gower, Marquess of Stafford and 1st Duke of Sutherland for Cleveland House, later renamed Bridgwater House, the “Bridgwater House Porphyry Dolphin Tables” (1803-1806) are outstanding examples.Supplied to the 4th Earl of Shaftesbury for St. Giles House in Dorset and almost certainly by John Cobb, “The St. Giles House Commodes” are a wonderfully ornate pair of c. 1765 Chinese lacquer Commodes with original ornate brass handles.Consisting of a pair of c. 1735 George II giltwood Mirrors attributed to Benjamin Goodison, “The Elvaston Castle Mirrors” come with impressive provenance that includes Petersham Lodge, Richmond and Elvaston Castle, Derbyshire.Founded in 1952 in London’s Mayfair, Ronald Phillips has a loyal client base that includes Museums, Royalty, and private collectors from all over the world. Since the early 90s the business has been run by the founder’s son, Simon Phillips.With a history and reputation for handling some of the most important pieces of English furniture from the 18th century available on the market, Ronald Phillips continues to further cement its status as one of the world’s leading English antique dealers. To find out more about Ronald Phillips, BLOUIN ARTINFO got in touch with Simon Phillips and asked him a few questionsWhat is the history of Ronald Phillips?Ronald Phillips is a family business founded by my Father in 1952 with showrooms on Old Brompton Road. In 1976 we moved to bigger premises at 26 Bruton Street in the heart of London’s Mayfair, where we remain today.I took over the business from my father when he retired in the late 1990’s and today, Ronald Phillips is one of the leading fine English antique dealers in the world. We have handled many of the most important pieces of English furniture from the 18th century available on the market and some of the finest private and public collections in the world have purchased from us.In many ways, we are something of a rarity; we are for instance the only London dealership to retain a workshop on site with a team of highly skilled restorers trained in the traditional methods of conservation and restoration.At Ronald Phillips, we pride ourselves on providing expert advice as well as offering furniture of exceptional quality and provenance.What have been the most significant achievements and milestones of the business?Surviving 64 years!! Still being in business today!What is the primary business of Ronald Phillips in terms of its stock and market?Only the very best market has survived and weathered the recession. Great pieces come on to the market so rarely, so when they do they make a fortune. But they have to be the very best.Ronald Phillips specialises only in English furniture; for me it is all about furniture being functional. But it is the style, colour and patination that make it desirable and collectable. It is also the simplicity and good taste of English furniture that appeals.Our markets are still Americans and foreigners living in England. Sadly, the English client base has diminished. We do good business in Europe but not France. China is still yet to come for us.What are the most significant and important pieces that the business has dealt with?The Barrington Chair.It is so important and was never for sale when Tom Devenish was alive and dealing in New York. We had to wait for his sale after he died. It is now in a collection in this country and so I still enjoy seeing it.What makes Ronald Phillips such a standout and distinctive business?Ronald Phillips has a reputation for only dealing in the “best of the best”, only the rarest and most sort after objects and furniture?We strive for this and it is the future of this business. Occasionally we lower our sights....but not often.What is the most significant piece you will be bringing to TEFAF NY this year?“The Bridgwater House Porphyry Dolphin Tables” and “The St. Giles House Commodes” Read more
