A Tradition Of Excellence In Everything We Do
Since the reign of King William IV the Bly family have specialised in antiques and bespoke commissions. This rich heritage is combined with a reputation for connoisseurship and a renowned expertise that goes beyond the traditional services and is always accompanied by the highest levels of personal attention.
The Collection & Notable Pieces
Our signature for quality is reflected within The Collection. Every piece showcases a commitment to timeless, well-designed and beautifully-made antiques and decorative arts. Each item of stock carries an absolute guarantee of authenticity as well as advice on maintenance and care. This repute, expert eye and continual quest for superlative items has led us to be well-known amongst serious collectors and museums for rare and exemplary pieces that have become part of some of the most celebrated collections in the world.
Notable Pieces include The Kimbolton Cabinet, sold by Frank John Bly to the V&A Museum, London in 1949. The cabinet was designed in 1775 for the Duke and Duchess of Manchester by Robert Adam, made by Ince & Mayhew with mounts by Mathew Boulton and antique Italian plaques of pietra dura. Unquestionably the most important piece of English Furniture to come on the market, the BBC commissioned a Secret Knowledge programme in 2012 with John Bly giving the incredible history of this piece. Another example is The Valentine Mott Silver Bowl, made in New York circa 1830 for Valentine Mott, 1785-1865, the surgeon who performed the first successful amputation at the hip and pioneered surgery in the veins. The bowl was a gift from New York to celebrate his illustrious career but had been forgotten about until its discovery and subsequent sale by John Bly to the Milwaukee Museum of Fine Art. These two examples, of the many in the John Bly portfolio, are perfect illustrations of how antiques carry with them a fascinating narrative.
Bespoke & Studio Bly International
From consultation and brief, drawings and photographic record of construction to finishing and delivery we design and make all manner of furniture and decorative arts; whether a side table in a style to complement existing interiors or a one-off work of art. Each piece produced is of exceptional quality, made by the best craftspeople using the finest materials and distinguished by its own individually-designed identity.
The Bespoke Department and the multi-disciplinary Studio Bly International are personally overseen by James Bly whose extensive knowledge of traditional techniques and materials as well as an insightful understanding of contemporary methods results in the team’s ability to create a wide range of work to the highest levels of finish. Studio Bly International’s perspective has resulted in projects all around the world.
Interiors & Design
Having been in the business for well over 100 years, the Bly family draws on an extensive background of artistic practice and established heritage in dealing in the finest furniture, paintings, tableware, works of art and objects d'art. This history has given us unrivalled knowledge in designing and implementing both period and contemporary interior settings. Our approach is always tailored to each individual client, expertly managed and personal service.
The Interiors & Design service can manage whole projects or assist in advising, consulting and procuring specific items. In addition to our workshop we work with a range of global experts including silversmiths, carpet designers and makers, soft furnishing specialists, interior and exterior lighting experts and many more. This service intersects with Bespoke & Studio Bly International.
Sourcing & Curation
Private collectors, corporate clients, interior decorators and designers trust our expertise in providing a specialist sourcing service for all fine and decorative arts. We can assist in helping them with acquisitions, managing a collection or sales, whether a single item or a full collection. From early Georgian furniture to 1930s Art Glass our network covers all disciplines and periods. Please contact us for further details and enquiries.
Estates, Appraisals & Valuations
Backed by more than a century’s experience, our Valuation Department is well equipped to prepare authoritative valuations and appraisals for all purposes including probate, insurance and family division of single items of furniture and works of art as well as entire household contents. This service comprises of site visits, detailed inventory including photography, preparation of presentation disk and printed copy.
Restoration & Conservation
We specialize in the finest restoration and conservation in our own workshops using only traditional handcraft methods and meticulous attention to detail. Exquisite reproduction commissions are also undertaken as replicas or replacement pieces for those lost or damaged beyond repair.