Anthony Outred with Sasha.
The Vatican Mosaic Workshop may have been responsible for the top and it is possibly an early work by Giacomo Raffaelli (1753-1836). The table was found in The Grantham Hotel, built by John Manners in 1780 and part of the Tollemache Estate. The exhibition 50 Years of Excellence runs from June 25-27 at 74 Pimlico Road, London.
Other items on display range from a 17th century marquetry cabinet to 18th century Baroque Venetian console tables. The show hopes to highlight the dealer’s personal style while attracting new custom to his flagship store.
Outred is upfront about the benefits of the business and suggests it might even have a spiritual dimension.
“A person without a collection is a person without a soul. It doesn’t matter what he or she collects. It has to be a passion; as sourcing and researching outstanding pieces of furniture, sculpture and works of art has been for me for the past 50 years. We have always been a family business, with most of the family being involved at one time or another; George is one of the next generation currently working with us.”
Rosewood brass inlaid centre table with a Roman mosaic top c.1770-90, for sale from Anthony Outred.
High street hopes
Reflecting on the firm’s current location and the rise in online trading, Outred said: “A physical shop in a prime location enables the proprietors to project their taste, knowledge and personalities to both old and new clients.
“A high-street presence is essential to promote the continued public awareness of the decorative arts.”
Before settling in the current location, Outred spent 25 years trading on the King’s Road. As the street’s cultural influence and unique character began to wane, another west London thoroughfare - Pimlico Road - stepped into the breach.
“It was perfectly positioned to become the mecca for antique furniture and decorative design that it is today. Pimlico Road provides a professional and personal service that only the presence of shop owners can impart.”
While the merits of destination shopping in an era of social media marketing continue to spark debate, the health of UK fairs remain an ongoing concern.
“Following the demise of Masterpiece, London desperately needed a stand-out international decorative arts fair,” said Outred.
“All eyes are on [the fair] Treasure House, which Thomas Woodham-Smith and Harry Van der Hoorn courageously resurrected from the ashes of Masterpiece. They have our full support, and we wish them every success with their second outing at the end of June. As with everything else in life, the cost of exhibiting at fairs has risen dramatically and particularly for overseas exhibitors.
“Accordingly, it is becoming increasingly difficult for UK fairs to attract international dealers.” Asked how he selected the items for this show, Outred said: “Great pieces should always make you smile in wonderment.”
After 50 years of trading, what advice would he give to newcomers? “Always keep money in the bank for the treasure that will materialise when you least expect it.” Prices in the show range from £5000-125,000.
