Secrets of the Past

Antiques, Victorian in particular, are full of wonderful, hidden surprises.  Secret drawers and compartments are some of the many treasures left for the new owner to discover over time.



An example of this intriguing and clever use of space and privacy is demonstrated in the design of the box desk, illustrated below.  This beautiful box, made from rosewood with brass inlay, was crafted to store writing tools and supports but the real hidden gem is behind the lining, waiting to be unlocked! To find out more, visit our shop.

Another fine example of antiques with a hint of mystery is the bureau, an example from our stock is shown in the photograph below. This example is richly coloured with walnut veneer detailing. Hidden behind the internal workings are two secret compartments, possibly used for holding important documents.


Such secret features often found in antiques add an exciting element to collecting. You can explore these delightful mysteries when you are next visiting Graham Smith Antiques. You will be surprised!

We are currently improving our company website to make the antiques in our collection even more accessible and to a wider audience. In the meantime we are providing links to new stock items via our Twitter and Facebook pages. Alternatively you can ring us on 01912 815 065 for further assistance and information on current and new stock.

The Perfect Match

It is difficult to find antique matching pairs of bedroom furniture, so when you do come across them they are often worth snapping up.  At Graham Smith Antiques we have a fine pair of box wood inlaid mahogany chests, perfect for his and her's bedroom.  


The chests, originally made around 1810, are in good condition whilst still retaining the antique look and feel.  The chest have matching line inlays to the chest tops and drawer fronts and similar unusual sprung brass knob handles in a true Georgian design.  A decorative and functional addition to the home, these bow fronted set of drawers are great storage units, well worth a viewing.

We are currently improving our company website to make the antiques in our collection even more accessible and to a wider audience. In the meantime we are providing links to new stock items via our Twitter and Facebook pages. Alternatively you can ring us on 01912 815 065 for further assistance and information on current and new stock.

Mirror Mirror On The Wall...

Whether purchased to lighten or decorate a room, or for more practical purposes, the decorative mirror is an important part of interior furnishing.

A favourite item amongst our customers at Graham Smith Antiques, is the gilded, convex mirror, of which a fine example is shown in the photograph below. An early 19th century example, the carved eagle with ball and chain adds a regal element to this bold piece.

An example of another stylish and popular design is the Chippendale mirror seen in the photograph below. This mirror, currently for sale at Graham Smith Antiques, is cut from warm mahogany in the style of Thomas Chippendale (1718 – 1779) the London based cabinet-maker. A quietly stylish piece with an intricate outer contour, this would do well in today's family home. 

We are currently improving our company website to make the antiques in our collection even more accessible and to a wider audience. In the meantime we are providing links to new stock items via our Twitter and Facebook pages. Alternatively you can ring us on 01912 815 065 for further assistance and information on current and new stock.

Let The Games Begin!

At Graham Smith Antiques we have an Edwardian games compendium for sale (shown below); with over seven different games it has something for everyone.  The pair of doors, rosewood veneered onto mahogany, swing open to reveal  beautifully presented chess pieces, each specially secured to an individual place.  

Unusual games, as well as the classics such as backgammon and draughts, are included in this set.  Cribbage, Bridge and racing horses are also amongst the carefully compacted variety. Dating from around 1910 this compendium is certainly well played and well made, whilst still being in remarkably good condition.  This Edwardian games compendium is an ideal gift, sure to be a success for all the family to enjoy.  More information about this item can be found on the website.  

We are currently improving our official website to make antiques even more accessible to a wider audience but in the meantime we are providing plenty of links to new stock via Twitter and Facebook.  Alternatively you can ring us on 01912 815 065 for further assistance.

Victorian High Chair

Antique children’s furniture is often more evocative of the original owner than other antique furniture, perhaps because of the many tactile signs of use on the family-worn exterior.  The appealing nature of children’s furniture can owe itself to the familiarity with its ‘grown-up’ equivalent piece of antique furniture, combined with the novelty of its small scale.  These romantic association's stemming from Victorian’s love of the sentimental, are true of the Victorian high chair that is for sale at Graham Smith Antiques. Whilst it has these characterful signs of use, nevertheless it is in remarkably good condition. The mahogany structure and framework are as strong today as they were new.  With its endearing proportions yet thoughtful practicalities of use, this high chair would still be suitable for new generations of children. 

The chair in Graham Smith Antiques consists of its original cushion and fixtures. These allow the chair to be separated from its four-legged base transforming it into a chair and matching table.  This high chair could be used for decorative purposes such as a home for beloved toys, textiles or a decorative feature on its own as well as its main purpose – as a safe and comfortable child's chair, for many years to come.  You can find more details about the high chair on Antique Atlas website.  Thank you for reading Graham Smith Antiques weekly blog.