Business Details
46 Years
experience
Ampthill Antiques Emporium | Vintage Treasures & Restoration
Established in the early 1980s, Ampthill Antiques Emporium has grown to become a premier destination for antiques, vintage, and decorative homewares. Our journey began with a vision to preserve the historic Rushbrooke family building on Bedford Street, which we rescued from decay to create a vibrant hub for collectors and enthusiasts. Over decades, we have curated an extensive collection spanning antique furniture, decorative arts, and a carefully selected range of contemporary pieces, all housed in a four-floor warehouse that reflects our commitment to quality and diversity.Our team combines deep expertise in restoration, valuation, and antique trade, offering services that cater to private buyers, dealers, and estates. With a legacy rooted in Ampthill's rich history, we continue to evolve while maintaining the same dedication to craftsmanship and customer service that defined our inception.
Services
Antique Sales
Vintage Furniture
Restoration Services
Valuation Reports
Property Clearance
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of expertise in antique curation and restoration
- Our four-floor warehouse houses one of Bedfordshire's largest antique collections
- We provide certified valuation services for probate, insurance, and estate purposes
- Our team includes specialists in metal polishing, furniture restoration, and antique key cutting
- We combine historic legacy with modern service standards in a unique architectural setting
Services
Antique Sales
We offer an extensive collection of antiques spanning multiple eras, including furniture, decorative arts, and homewares. Our inventory features rare pieces like Georgian commodes and Art Deco accessories, alongside carefully curated contemporary items. Each object is presented with historical context and provenance where available, catering to collectors, interior designers, and heritage projects.
Restoration Services
Our specialist team provides comprehensive restoration for antique furniture, metalwork, and decorative items. Services include metal polishing, furniture stripping, French polishing, and antique key cutting. We maintain original craftsmanship standards while ensuring functional longevity, serving both private owners and institutional clients requiring period-accurate conservation.
Valuation Reports
We deliver detailed valuation services for probate, insurance, and estate planning purposes. Our experts provide written assessments with market analysis, supported by our deep knowledge of antique markets and historical pricing trends. Clients include solicitors, trusts, and private collectors requiring accurate, legally compliant valuations for both single items and entire estates.
Property Clearance
Our professional clearance service handles residential and commercial property disposals of all scales. We offer selective removal of valuable items combined with responsible disposal of non-saleable goods through licensed waste channels. The service includes inventory cataloguing, itemised valuations, and complete property preparation for sale or rental.
Historic Pharmacy Tour
We showcase a fully restored Victorian pharmacy interior originally from London's Piccadilly. This unique exhibit preserves early 20th-century pharmaceutical practices, featuring period fixtures, apothecary jars, and historical medical equipment. Visitors gain insights into Ampthill's role in herbal medicine production during the town's lavender cultivation era.
People
Marc Legg
Owner
Marc Legg acquired Ampthill Antiques Emporium after its previous closure, investing significant resources into restoring the historic building. He has dedicated over three decades to developing the business while preserving its architectural heritage, overseeing both commercial operations and conservation projects.
Questions
What types of antiques do you specialise in?
We focus on British antiques from Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras, including furniture, decorative arts, and domestic objects. Our collection also features select European pieces and a curated contemporary range.
Can you help with antique valuations for probate?
Yes, we provide detailed probate valuations with market analysis, supported by our 40+ years of trade experience and knowledge of current antique market trends.
Do you offer restoration services for metal items?
Our specialists provide metal polishing, repair, and conservation services for brass, copper, and other metals, including antique key cutting and lock restoration.
Is the Victorian pharmacy original to Ampthill?
The pharmacy interior was relocated from London's Piccadilly but reflects Ampthill's historical role in lavender-based medicine production during the 19th century.
Can I sell my antique collection through you?
We purchase complete collections and individual items, offering immediate valuation and payment. Our specialists handle everything from single pieces to entire house clearances.
