Business Details
40 Years
experience
Antique Furniture & Modern British Art Experts
Established in 1986, Godson & Coles has cultivated a distinguished reputation as a leading London-based gallery specialising in 18th-century English furniture and 20th-century modern British art. Our expertise lies in curating exceptional pieces that bridge historical craftsmanship with avant-garde creativity, creating a unique dialogue between eras. With decades of experience, we have developed an international clientele, including private collectors, interior designers, and museums, who trust our discerning eye and commitment to authenticity. Our furniture collection prioritises originality, exceptional design, and untouched patina, featuring works by renowned cabinet-makers such as Thomas Chippendale and Robert Adam. Complementing this, our modern British art selection highlights key figures of the St. Ives movement, including Sir Terry Frost and Victor Pasmore, whose abstract expressionism resonates with the craftsmanship of our antique pieces.As members of the British Antique Dealers' Association (BADA), we uphold rigorous standards of integrity and provenance, offering certificates of authenticity with every acquisition. Our team provides bespoke interior consultation, conservation services, and curatorial advice, ensuring clients receive tailored support for their collections. With a legacy of participation in prestigious art fairs and a council role in the BADA, we combine deep market knowledge with a passion for preserving cultural heritage. Our conservation studio, led by trained specialists, ensures the preservation of patina and surfaces, reflecting our dedication to maintaining the integrity of each piece. This holistic approach, blending expertise, heritage, and client-centric service, defines our position as a trusted authority in the art and antiques world.
Services
Antique Furniture Sales
Modern British Art Sales
Art Conservation
Interior Consultation
Curatorial Services
Shipping & Storage
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of expertise in curating 18th-century English furniture and modern British art.
- Our unique pairing of antique and modern pieces creates a distinctive design aesthetic.
- We offer in-house conservation services led by trained specialists.
- As BADA members, we guarantee authenticity and provenance for every acquisition.
- Our team provides bespoke interior consultation and curatorial advice globally.
Associations and certifications
- BADA
Services
Antique Furniture Sales
Specialists in 18th-century English furniture, offering meticulously curated pieces by renowned cabinet-makers like Thomas Chippendale and Robert Adam. Each item is selected for its originality, craftsmanship, and historical significance. Our collection spans richly carved mahogany to intricately decorated japanning, ensuring clients acquire authentic, high-quality antiques.
Modern British Art Sales
Curated selection of mid-20th-century British modernist works, focusing on St. Ives movement artists such as Sir Terry Frost and Victor Pasmore. These abstract expressionist pieces reflect groundbreaking developments in British art, offering collectors dynamic, historically significant acquisitions that complement our antique collections.
Art Conservation
Expert conservation of antique furniture and art, prioritising preservation of patina and original surfaces. Our trained specialists ensure sympathetic restoration, maintaining authenticity while preparing pieces for future generations. Services include research, repair, and long-term care advice for private and institutional clients.
Interior Consultation
Bespoke interior design services integrating antique furniture and modern art into residential and commercial spaces. We collaborate with interior designers and private clients to create cohesive, visually stimulating environments that highlight the synergy between historical and contemporary aesthetics.
Curatorial Services
Comprehensive curatorial support for building and maintaining art and antique collections. Services include acquisition guidance, provenance research, framing, and exhibition planning, tailored to the needs of private collectors, museums, and cultural institutions globally.
People
Richard Coles
Director
With over 30 years in the art and antiques trade, Richard Coles co-founded Godson & Coles in 1986. A West Dean College-trained expert, he chairs BADA's fair and advises on antique furniture restoration, combining a sharp design eye with deep market knowledge.
Nicole Adelman
Gallery Manager
Nicole Adelman joined Godson & Coles in 2022 after studying History of Art at the University of Warwick. She specialises in modern architecture and manages gallery operations, art fair participation, and client research with a focus on modern masters.
Andreas de Jong
Conservation Manager
Andreas de Jong, a trained cabinet-maker and conservation specialist, has led our South London studio since 2009. His expertise in preserving historical integrity while conducting sympathetic restoration ensures the longevity of every piece we handle.
Questions
What specialisms does Godson & Coles focus on?
We specialise in 18th-century English furniture and mid-20th-century modern British art, particularly works from the St. Ives movement.
How can I verify authenticity of purchased items?
As BADA members, we guarantee authenticity and provide certificates of provenance with every acquisition.
Do you offer international shipping?
Yes, we arrange global shipping, delivery, and storage for all purchased items.
Can you help source specific antique pieces?
Our team actively sources specific antiques and art on behalf of private clients worldwide.
Are conservation services available for existing collections?
Yes, our conservation studio provides restoration, research, and long-term care advice for antiques.
What are your gallery opening hours?
We're open Monday-Friday 9:30-17:30 and Saturdays by appointment.
