Nicholas Gifford-Mead

Nicholas originally started his career as an antique dealer at the end of the 1960s. In the early days he rented a very small space at the Furniture Cave in the Kings Road (still there today) and dealt mainly in furniture. Seizing the opportunities that arose by the large number of buildings that were being demolished in the late 60s and early 70s his interest shifted to buying and selling large architectural items and complete interiors. Some examples of these finds can still be seen at the Furniture Cave today including the copper clock on the roof, originally on the British Transport sports ground pavilion in Acton, the front doors salvaged from East London magistrates court and the traders shop fronts from the old Brentford market in west London which form the passageway through the centre of the building.

The bigger premises within the Furniture Cave which he now occupied enabled him to display a great array of these purchases which included marble, wood, and stone antique fireplaces/ mantel pieces complete with fire grates, fire tools, fire dogs, fenders and other such accessories. He also became well-known for his impressive pieces of garden ornament – wrought iron benches, ornamental gates, stone and marble figures after the antique, all sourced from his extensive travels round the United Kingdom, and Europe.

In the early 1990s the opportunity arose to move to the Pimlico Road where Nicholas continued to build on his reputation as one of the leading specialists in 17th, 18th and 19th century fireplaces and mantel pieces complemented by the equally authentic fire grates, fire tools, fenders etc Garden ornament and sculpture also continued as part of the repertoire although it was no longer possible to have really heavy pieces due to the wooden floor and narrow staircase!

The Pimlico shop closed in the 2014 and Nicholas now trades from home and has storage in Chelsea with all stock viewable by appointment and on his website.

Although the last 20 years has seen the rise of the reproduction fire surround/mantel piece, Nicholas is always on the search for authentic mantel pieces as he believes nothing can replace the use of original materials, workmanship and patina that builds up over time.

Nicholas continues to be sort out by a discerning group of interior decorators, private clients and museums who all share his vision of authenticity and provenance. He always happy to try and source a particular piece for a client as his knowledge of where something might be found is second to none!

If you have any questions about the stock displayed on the website please contact us by email nicholas@gifford-mead.co.uk or by telephone no. 0207 736 0808 /mobile no. 07768 233128.