I'm an antique dealer and art adviser, and the founder and director of the Treasure House Fair, held each June at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
My approach is simple: I look for quality of making and originality of design, and I don't get distracted by periods. Great design from any age grabs my attention, and this site is a chance to share some of what has delighted me.
Forty years in the trade
I joined Mallett in 1985 and spent 25 years there. I ran Mallett at Bourdon House, served on the PLC board, and became Managing Director of the Bond Street gallery.
Along the way I championed the photographer and furniture designer Willy Rizzo, with exhibitions in London and New York alongside Paul Smith. I also created the new Hatfields by merging it with Mallett's restoration workshops.
Building fairs
In 2008, with the London fair scene in decline, I brought together the consortium that founded Masterpiece at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, and served as its founding Chairman and Creative Director.
In 2019, with Harry van der Hoorn, I took on the BADA fair and relaunched it as The Open Art Fair. In 2023 we founded the Treasure House Fair.
Working together
Alongside the fair I deal privately and advise clients on buying and selling. If you would like advice, or simply want to talk about a piece, please email me at thomas@woodhamsmith.com.
some past friends
Bacchus and Amphitrite
France, circa 1700
A rare pair of late Louis XIV bronzes after models by Michel Anguier and Louis Garnier. Amphitrite stands on a dolphin holding a lobster; Bacchus raises a tazza. A beautiful model, exquisite patina, approachable scale, made to hold, admire and live with.
Vizagapatam armchair
India, circa 1775
A Georgian design re-imagined by Indian craftsmen in engraved ivory. The English template is unmistakable, but the decoration makes it something else entirely.
Zodiac panel
France, circa 1945, attributed to Pierre Lardin
Verre églomisé in white and gold, deeply engraved with fantastical versions of the signs of the zodiac. Glamorous, inventive and a little mysterious.
Shell console table
England, circa 1970, in the manner of Anthony Redmile
A thoroughly classical form given a totally insane expression. Chosen for exactly that.