Present:
Thomas Coulborn & Sons is now run by Jonathan Coulborn, the grandson of the founder. Jonathan spent a number of years working for Sothebys in Sussex, London and Madrid before returning to the family business in 1999. We have exhibited at the BADA Fair since 2005, where Jonathan is now Chairman of BADA, having been Chairman of Vetting at the BADA Fair and Chairman of the Fair from 2009-2011. In 2009 we exhibited at the 75th and final Grosvenor House Antiques Fair where we were delighted to win the Gold Medal for Object of the Year, and have exhibited annually at Masterpiece since 2010 and at The International Fine Art & Antique Dealers Show in New York since 2011. Jonathan has lectured on Furniture History in the UK and in Spain, and is proud to advise international museum and collectors on acquisitions.
For our Terms and Conditions of Sale, please click here.
History:
Thomas Coulborn seated in the Gallery at Vesey Manor in the 1950s
Vesey Manor was built c.1450 for Bishop Vesey, Bishop of Exeter under Henry VIII. The Manor functioned as a farm until 1896 when it was bought by Edward John Charles and converted into two dwellings. Thomas Coulborn & Sons, as the business has been known since the 1950s, was started in the mid-1930s by Thomas and Mary Coulborn. In the late 1930s they acquired Vesey Manor and established their antiques business which continues to this day. Thomas was succeeded in the business by his twin sons, Peter and Paul. In the 1970s Paul moved away to establish his own cabinet-making business specialising in bespoke antique reproduction furniture from his workshop in Frampton-on-Severn, Gloucestershire, while Peter remained and established a highly respected business specialising in 18th Century and Regency Antique Furniture. He was instrumental in the founding of the British International Antiques Fair at the NEC and served for many years as Chairman of the Furniture Vetting Committee. Although “almost retired” Peter remains a consulting partner and a great source of knowledge and advice to the business and its clients.
The Gallery at Vesey Manor in the 1950s