Clinton Howell Antiques

James Andrew at Clinton Howell - photo Justin Williams

I recently visited Clinton Howell Antiques to view their truly spectacular collection of fine English furniture.

Clinton Howell’s passion is contagious – our latest exchange had him professing his love for a table’s “gorgeous legs” — and yes, he is aware that this sounds like something out of a teen magazine! But it is this sort of passion, he conveys, that is truly at the heart of things. Of course, as one would expect, his unabashed enthusiasm belies an extraordinarily vast technical knowledge and connoisseurship first honed in London at furniture college and later through buying and selling furniture there. Have a look at his blog — We found ourselves completely and happily lost in it.

We’ve selected just a few of the pieces that caught our eye recently (below) – whether your setting is high style traditional, transitional, or even modernist – viewed as individual works of art, I’m sure you’ll agree that these sublime pieces would elevate any fine interior.

A pair of painted and parcel gilt open arm chairs 1790 - Clinton Howell Antiques

A gilded settee in the manner of Robert Adam 1770 - Clinton Howell Antiques

pair of marquetry inlaid demi-lune consoles in the manner of John Linnell 1775 - Clinton Howell Antiques

There has been some talk about antiques and English furniture being out of fashion, but Howell counters quite brilliantly I think, noting, “… fashion is fickle, it has no allegiance to what is beautiful. It is easier to stick to what is beautiful and let others worry about what is in and what is out.”

I, for one, will follow Howell’s sage advice and opt for beauty!

At Clinton Howell (top) admiring a superb pair of marquetry inlaid demi-lune consoles in the manner of John Linnell 1775, a pair of large oval George II mirrors 1780, and a very finely carved gilt wood arm chair in the manner of John Linnell 1770. I’m sporting a red leather biker jacket, brown tweed biker pants and a python belt with a silver buckle all by Gucci, Turnbull and Asser shocking pink cotton shirt with contrast white collar and french cuffs, vintage moon stone cuff links, brown satin tie by Ralph Lauren, large silk paisley scarf by Etro and aubergine suede “Eton” boots by Yves Saint Laurent – my fragrance is Creed Vintage Tabarome.