About Us

librarian Thakeham Furniture was established by Tim and Belinda Chavasse in 1984, with premises in Thakeham, West Sussex, UK. Both trained restorers, we ran a conservation workshop, together with our colleague Anthony Tester, specializing in restoration of fine furniture for the antique trade and private clients.(Usually 18th century antiques and 19th century antiques)

chippy In 1987 we started dealing from our premises and also exhibiting at country house antique fairs throughout the south east, including Goodwood House and Guildford Civic Hall. In 1993 we moved the business to Marehill Galleries in Pulborough, where we continued to run a commercial workshop while developing the retail side of business. We expanded again in 1997, taking retail space in Dorking antique centres, in order to build up our stock and our knowledge of the trade.

In May of 2003, having looked for a long time, we found a suitably large antique shop in Petworth, West Sussex UK and decided to move all our retail outlets and workshop to be under one roof. We now have a large antique shop in Petworth with an open antique furniture showroom, ideally suited to display our stock that often includes mahogany antique furniture including Regency furniture and Georgian furniture, some antique oak furniture and some antique upholstered furniture. We also provide a restoration service for private clients with our skilled team of restorers.

As an antique dealer we specialize in English antique furniture of the 18th and 19th centuries, with an emphasis on originality of the pieces. Most of our stock is ‘useful’ furniture of simple, clean design with good patination and colour. We are also very keen to keep our pricing competitive.

All our stock in the showroom is thoroughly checked over in the workshop beforehand. If drawer runners are worn or handles are loose these are repaired and, if necessary, any signs of woodworm are treated. We have our own special waxing method to bring out the patina of the pieces and preserve them. We are able to advise on the care and maintenance of antiques in the home.

We can help with the selection of suitable upholstery fabrics, and if needed change the covers to suit your interiors. We offer a personal delivery service in our company van.

We are members of PAADA ( Petworth Art & Antique Dealers Association ) and also LAPADA ( London & Provincial Antique Dealers Association ). Therefore allowing you the confidence of buying under the PAADA and LAPADA codes of practice generally accepted by antiques dealers in UK.