• About Rolleston

    About Rolleston

     

    For over seventy years, Rolleston has been a trusted name in exceptional English furniture and rare Asian works of art. Based in Kensington and now led by James Rolleston, our gallery continues a family tradition rooted in connoisseurship, discretion and a deep respect for historical design. We are proud to be recognised internationally for our expertise and the calibre of the pieces we handle.

     

    From the 17th to the 19th centuries, Chinese art profoundly shaped British decorative culture - introducing lacquer, porcelain and textiles that inspired everything from chinoiserie to japanned furniture. At the same time, Chinese artisans crafted sophisticated export pieces for European audiences, blending Eastern techniques with Western forms. This dialogue between cultures - where East meets West - lies at the heart of our collection.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Establishing A Relationship

    Establishing A Relationship

     

    Long-lasting relationships built on trust and discretion are very important to us. Well-established and dynamic, we bring a wealth of expertise and industry connections that enable our clients to navigate a complex marketplace. We understand the difference between a fair or good example and an exceptional piece. Each year, we assess thousands of works, always keeping our clients’ needs in mind.

     

    Our clients trust our expertise, refined taste, and meticulous approach. They appreciate that every piece we handle is thoroughly examined, meeting our exacting standards and attention to detail.

     

    We conduct our business with transparency, clarity and discretion, and we look forward to building a lasting relationship with you.

     

     

     

     

  • Strong Beliefs

    Strong Beliefs

     

    Bound by our principles, founding philosophy and high level of expertise, clients buy from us with complete confidence and an assurance they will receive a dedicated and highly personal service.

     

    We believe in the importance of combining world class iconic design with functionality. These enduring, classic designs are in great taste, and create superb original interiors for today.

     

    The items we have sold have been placed in a huge variety of settings, from traditional town and country houses in England, Europe and the United States to contemporary spaces in California and the Far East.

     

    Rolleston can list a number of the world’s finest museums as clients, while also helping to form some iconic private collections of English furniture and Asian works of art around the globe.

  • History

    History

     

    The company was founded in 1955 by Marion Priestly Rolleston and originally traded under the name The Antique Home. Specialising in English furniture, the company acquired only pieces that met the highest standards of authenticity, condition and quality and quickly gained a reputation for its integrity and trustworthiness. 

     

    The company grew with this ethos at its core and by the mid-1970s had become well known in the art and antiques world. By the early 1980s, the company was exhibiting at the Grosvenor House Art & Antiques Fair, where it played an integral role in the strict English antique furniture vetting committee. This period marked the consolidation and expansion of its international clientele.

     

    Today, Rolleston is a third-generation firm specialising in English furniture and Asian works of art. While staying true to the core values that built the business, the company continues to enhance its reputation exhibiting at international fiars, acquiring important works in new areas of spcialism, collaborating with museum and leading academics in fields of research and cultivating new relationships with clients worldwide.

     

    We are very proud of our history and look forward to continuing to share our passion for the pieces we offer.