The world of rare and extremely valuable antiques is a curious business. For avid collectors of items with a provenance that could fill out an entire book, the intrigue, craftsmanship and value of such fine pieces draws them in like moths to a flame. London is home to some of the finest antique collections, fairs and of course, auctions in the world, and within the city, Mayfair stands out as a hub for collectors, dealers and buyers.
While several of Mayfair's most storied antique dealers have sadly closed their doors in recent years, there remains a clutch of refined outfits still trading in the heart of London. Some operate from private showrooms, others from arcaded interiors, but all share a common penchant for acquiring the rarest and most valuable of pieces. The following examples are the first ports of call that any avid buyers should visit on a trip to London.
Mayfair Gallery
Across London, the Mayfair Gallery is one of the most recognisable names for collectors seeking fine antiques and art pieces. Its high-ceilinged showroom, framed with ornate plasterwork and large street-facing windows, houses an eclectic yet carefully curated selection of European and Oriental pieces. From 19th-century French giltwood mirrors, intricately crafted bronze sculptures, and porcelain of the finest quality, the pieces reflect the gallery’s emphasis on curating only the rarest and most interesting pieces.
The gallery has built its reputation on sourcing objects with a story to tell, often accompanied by documentation tracing their history. Their stock regularly includes signed works from notable makers such as François Linke and Meissen, giving collectors confidence in each piece’s authenticity and investment value. The staff offer incredible insight into the restoration, care, and historical context of every item, revelling in the chance to enlighten guests on the provenance of pieces that hold special value and sentiment for themselves as much as for a discerning buyer.
A Pash & Sons
Founded in 1925, A Pash & Sons has remained a cornerstone of London’s antique furniture trade for nearly a century. The gallery is a beautiful space, with polished oak floors, gilt-framed mirrors, and a rotation of Georgian and Regency-era pieces. This is still a family-run store, with some staffers now into the third generation and displaying the same amount of reverence for the collection as their now retired relatives once did, brimming with insights and passion for the pieces on display.
Collection pieces range from early 18th-century walnut cabinets to Chippendale chairs, ornamental bronzes, the most decorative pieces of porcelain, and giltwood pier tables, offering exciting opportunities for collectors. Many clients are Mayfair regulars looking to add to their already lavishly furnished properties, but the gallery also attracts international buyers seeking exportable heirlooms and the kind of rare pieces one must physically walk into a store to discover.
Kallos Gallery
For collectors of ancient art, Kallos Gallery offers an entirely different perspective on the term “antique.” The airy, white-walled gallery is dedicated to Greek, Roman, and Near Eastern antiquities, with displays that favour minimalism to allow each artefact to command attention and encourage visitors to enquire about its story with the staff. Marble busts, gold Hellenistic jewellery, and terracotta amphorae are displayed under precise lighting, lending a museum-like quality to the space.
Founded by Baron Lorne Thyssen-Bornemisza, the gallery quickly earned a reputation for handling objects of exceptional archaeological significance. Kallos also invests heavily in education, hosting lectures and publishing research to deepen public appreciation of ancient cultures, and help further preserve their legacies. From Babylon to ancient Rome, all items come with rigorous provenance checks, appealing to institutions as well as private collectors for the scarcity and unique acquisition.
Ronald Phillips
One of London’s leading names in antique English furniture, founded in the early 20th century, the gallery has supplied pieces to stately homes, museums, and royal residences around the world. Spanning multiple floors, with polished wood floors and panelled walls that create an atmosphere worthy of the Georgian and Regency pieces on display, visitors can expect to find mahogany dining tables, satinwood cabinets with intricate marquetry, and giltwood mirrors dating back to the 18th century, all restored with meticulous attention to the original detailing.
The business is known for its scholarly approach, often publishing detailed research on the works they sell, and painstakingly tracking the sale and passage of their items throughout history. This dedication to preserving their pieces' integrity ensures that buyers are investing in items with significant cultural value, and the story behind each article is never forgotten.
Nicholas Wells Antiques
Discreetly located on Dover Street and only visitable by appointment, Nicholas Wells Antiques deals in grand-scale decorative pieces that defy the imagination. The showroom interiors lean towards the opulent, with glistening 19th-century chandeliers, Neoclassical wall mirrors, Empire consoles, and finely patinated bronze lighting fixtures in abundance. Each piece is placed with function in mind, positioned as such to catch a buyer's eye and have them imagine it taking pride of place in their own home or collection.
Though notoriously private, the business is highly active and caters to global designers, collectors, and decorators looking to make a single, transformative purchase. The firm maintains a strong digital presence and handles international shipping, but the in-person experience is informative and visually rewarding, ideal for buyers in town who are serious about acquiring something truly special.
Grays Antique Market
Grays is a London institution and is known all over the world of antiques. Under a glass arcade lies a collective of around 100 independent dealers, each with a distinct speciality, offering a unique experience for both casual browsers and serious collectors. On any given day, one might find Bakelite radios, rare ancient coins, mourning jewellery, tribal artefacts, or 17th-century engravings. The range is unmatched in central London, and the ever-changing nature of exhibits rewards frequent visitors handsomely.
The market remains open Monday to Saturday and serves as a vital hub for Mayfair's antique trade. Some dealers are longstanding tenants, others are new and more experimental, but all contribute to the site’s charm and excitable atmosphere. For the nostalgic antique collector, Grays remains Mayfair’s most absorbing destination for perusing rare and valuable pieces.
