An Illustrious Heritage
Formally established in 1891, the family firm of John Bly is one of the most well-regarded experts in the world of international antiques and bespoke pieces. For more than a century we have been sourcing and designing for globally renowned collectors, leading museums and celebrated decorators. The legacy continues with the father and son team of John and James Bly, their combined talents and distinctive style have evolved the scope of expertise and taken John Bly into a new era. Listen in to one of their weekly meetings here.
The Bly Family – A Legacy of Experience
John Bly is internationally acknowledged as one of the world’s leading authorities on antique English furniture, his love of the social history and influence of antiques covers all specialisms and he has helped to enhance the awareness of their relevance to a much wider audience. For many years he was the very popular resident furniture expert on BBC Television’s ‘Antiques Roadshow’ as well as presenter of his own programme ‘Heirloom’ and then ‘Treasure Houses of Britain’ for the US. He has written 14 books, countless columns, lectured around the world as well as being a Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts and is a past Chairman of the British Antiques Dealers Association (BADA). All of which are testament to his great passion for fine antiques and decorative arts; John Bly has a special place in the world of antiques.
Fifth generation James Bly joined the business in 1996 having trained as a cabinet maker, restorer and conservator. This love of craftsmanship and an exceptional eye for design has led James to formalise the bespoke and consulting services with the Studio Bly International which he personally oversees. From his early days at John Bly, James innovated the typical approach that was traditional by creating a series of exhibitions outside the normal fairs, he travelled to America for shows in West Palm Beach, Dallas and New York and more. James is very much an antiques and decorative specialist of the 21st century, with him history and the contemporary are equally valued but as with every Bly, quality is key.
Our History
Frank John Bly and sister Doris Bly at John Bly's Shop 22 High Street, Tring. c 1908
The Bly family have been dealers in Tring, Hertfordshire since 1891. Records show that as early as 1874 John Bly had Baron Lionel de Rothschild, whose country seat was in Tring, as a client. Lady Rothschild and many of their wealthy titled friends followed, and it was not long before the Bly name was firmly established within the circles of the great houses and early private collectors. A repute that has continued to this present day.
John Bly II became recognised for his deep knowledge of English furniture and impeccable business standards, supplying national museums in the UK, forming and curating private collections at home and abroad. Next in line was his son Frank John, who after Army Service in World War II continued the tradition of contributing to private and museum collections, including the prized Kimbolton Cabinet to the V&A Museum in 1949. There have gone on to be many more notable pieces sourced for serious collectors or global museums, these rare and exemplary finds are an area we continue to be well-known for.
Town and Country
In 1961 Frank’s son John officially joined to initially work in Tring before taking the business to Bury Street in St. James London in the firm’s 100th year. It was not long before this two-storey showroom became the address to go to for those looking for interesting pieces with exceptional provenance. With James’ arrival into the business, John Bly expanded its global reach through a series of exclusive events and shows in the US as well as in the UK. Bury Street was followed by Chelsea in 2012 with a stunning showroom in a former brewery which was filled with inventory that ranged from the exquisite to the elegant to the eclectic. The gallery became something of a destination. With the addition of the Bly Studio International this wealth of experience and expertise is combined with a range of bespoke services tailored to each client.
John Bly is and has always been much more than an antiques dealership, throughout the generations of Bly family we have developed a singular style that is centred on quality but evolves with the times.
John Bly's 1200sqft 1st floor showroom on the King's Road, London
The Collection is now based in Tring and viewings can be arranged by appointment.