We began by specialising in 17th & 18th century furniture. This was at a time when furniture from this period was more readily available, but by the 1980's prices had risen phenomenally, so we looked to the 19th century where we could offer our clients better value and a much wider selection of the very best in quality and design. Now we have progressed to the 20th century as well. Regardless of the period, we are always looking for items of distinction; those that stand out from the rest of the herd and ones that, over time, will appreciate more in value and provide our clients much enjoyment.

Antiques to us is a way of life; nothing gives us more pleasure than helping our many clients to find the items they are looking for and, after 30 years in the business, we know where to find them!

We pride ourselves in not only finding the right item at the best possible price, but also providing important information on its historical origins and, where possible, its provenance; important aspects that add value and interest to the objects you buy from us. Our clients include The Canterbury Museum, The Carnegie Museum USA, The Dorman Museum, The Geffrye Museum, The Museum of Fine Art Houston USA, The Museums and Art Gallery of Merseyside, Temple Newsam and the Victoria & Albert Museum [donation].

Winners of the baca award for Best General Dealers Outside London [Southern region]!

What people say about us...

"The old and new can be seen to mix perfectly at The Country Seat who continue to make their mark in the antiques world by always offering quality, but always keeping us guessing as to just what they will offer next."
David Moss, Antiques Trade Gazette October 1998

"I have known and liked Willie Clegg since he first appeared on the front counter at Christie's...his unshakeable good humour...slow drawl and permanent grin were but the mask of a keen intelligence. [Twenty seven years ago, having left Christie's, Willie went into business with Harvey Ferry, an equally distinguished furniture specialist... Gradually, the dictates of supply and demand have brought them from the 17th century to the 19th, always dealing in wonderful and often idiosyncratic things, and now they are to move into what will shortly become the past century.] One of the great strengths of their business has been their aptitude for research, and while they will now be concentrating much more on 20th century decorative arts, they will be funding important research into 19th century designers."
Huon Mallalieu, Country Life July 1999

We are members of LAPADA, a national association with a Code of Practice [and arbitration], CINOA, an international association and TVADA, our local marketing association. Harvey has been on the Board of LAPADA and Willie was founder Chairman of TVADA.