Business Details
39 Years
experience
Antique Furniture Specialists in West Sussex
Thakeham Furniture, established in 1987, is a distinguished antique dealership based in West Sussex, specialising in fine English Georgian furniture. Our expertise lies in curating pieces that showcase exceptional patina and originality, with a focus on clean, timeless design. Our showroom in Dial Post, housed in a converted engineering works, offers a spacious environment to explore two floors of carefully selected period furniture. As members of LAPADA, we adhere to rigorous standards of authenticity and ethical practice. Our team combines decades of experience, including a restorer with over 50 years in the field, ensuring every item meets exacting quality criteria.We have evolved from working with collectors and dealers to operating a high street presence in Horsham and now our current Dial Post location. Our family-run business benefits from multi-generational expertise, with digital marketing managed by our daughter Harriet. We maintain strong connections to the local Sussex landscape, situated near the pioneering Knepp Estate rewilding project. Our commitment to quality has made us a trusted source for Georgian furniture enthusiasts across the UK and internationally.
Services
Georgian furniture
Victorian furniture
Antique restoration
Period furniture sales
International delivery
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- 35+ years specialising in Georgian furniture curation and restoration
- Emphasis on original patina and design integrity in every piece
- 50+ years experienced restorer maintaining traditional techniques
- LAPADA membership ensuring ethical trading standards
- Family-run business combining heritage expertise with modern presentation
Associations and certifications
- LAPADA (The London & Provincial Antique Dealers Association)
Services
Georgian Furniture Sales
Specialist sales of authentic Georgian furniture with emphasis on original patina and design integrity. We curate pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries, focusing on clean-lined forms and natural aging characteristics. Each item undergoes expert assessment to ensure historical accuracy and quality standards.
Antique Restoration
Traditional restoration services maintaining original materials and techniques. Our experienced restorer with over 50 years' expertise carefully preserves patina while addressing structural requirements. We specialise in sympathetic conservation that retains historical value and enhances longevity of period pieces.
Showroom Experience
Two-floor showroom displaying curated antique collections in a characterful former engineering works. The space combines natural light with period features to showcase furniture in an authentic setting. Located in West Sussex with ample parking, offering immersive exploration of Georgian and Victorian pieces.
People
Tim Chavasse
Co-Founder
Antique furniture expert with lifelong heritage in the field, having studied restoration and worked with collectors. Brings agricultural background and deep understanding of period furniture values to business operations.
Belinda Chavasse
Co-Founder
Art history graduate with specialist knowledge in antique furniture. Combines academic background with practical restoration expertise, contributing to the business's focus on originality and design integrity since its establishment.
Harriet Chavasse
Marketing Manager
Manages digital presence and photography with graphic design expertise. Brings contemporary marketing approach to antique business, ensuring traditional craftsmanship reaches modern audiences through effective online presentation.
Anthony Tester
Senior Restorer
Highly skilled furniture restorer with over 50 years' experience. Maintains traditional techniques while ensuring structural integrity of pieces. Integral to quality control and conservation standards since business inception.
Questions
What periods of antique furniture do you specialise in?
We primarily focus on Georgian period furniture (1714-1830) but also offer selected pieces from the Victorian and Regency eras.
Can I visit your showroom without an appointment?
Our showroom is open Tuesday-Thursday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10:30am-4pm. Appointments are required for Monday and Friday visits.
Do you offer international delivery?
Yes, we provide delivery services worldwide while ensuring proper packaging and handling for antique furniture transportation.
Are your antique pieces restored?
We offer both original unrestored pieces and those requiring minimal sympathetic restoration, maintaining original patina and materials.
How can I stay updated on new stock?
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