IT is not just Her Majesty who is enjoying a Diamond Jubilee this year, Ronald Phillips Ltd, London’s top dealer in the best 18th century English furniture, also celebrates 60 years in business.
Simon Phillips, son of the founder and for the past 15 years head of the family firm, marks the occasion with his latest and largest catalogue featuring exceptional pieces that have not been seen on the market for some years and come from such distinguished collections as The Earl of Devon, Samuel Messer, The Earl of Poulett and, most impressively, The Royal Collection itself.
You can see a stunning selection of these pieces on Ronald Phillips’ large stand at Masterpiece, of which Simon Phillips is a founder director.
Simon’s father Ronald launched the business in Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, but moved to their present extensive showrooms at Bruton Street, Mayfair (where Simon is pictured) 37 years ago.
Now 50, Simon joined his father 32 years ago and has seen plenty of changes during his career. For decades they have dealt in the upper echelons of the market but over the past 15 years he tells me he has strived increasingly to offer only the very best examples the market has to offer.
He said: “Nowadays only the very best sells, not the middle and lower ranges, and buyers look for authenticity, provenance and, above all, quality.”
He maintains the highest quality will always find a knowledgeable buyer and “price is just not important”.