Our Concept
Authenticity, integrity, well drawn lines, classical or quirky proportions, bold silhouettes, appealing texture, original surface, historic paintwork, untouched patina, sculptural form, charm, a certain individuality of spirit and the occasional touch of eccentricity are the qualities common to the pieces we most admire and cherish at Robert Young Antiques.
Established in 1977, Robert and Josyane Young have dedicated over 30 years to identifying, sourcing and exhibiting the most exciting pieces of Antique Folk Art, Country Furniture, and unusual vintage items of predominantly rural and provincial origin. Whether simple, humble or functional, of interest to collectors or of investment/museum quality, each piece is carefully examined, considered and judged to meet the same exacting standards prior to selection. We aim to source the best examples, so we can consistently offer the finest available.
Robert Young trained at Sotheby's and left to start on his own in 1975. Two years later he met Provencale born Interior Decorator Josyane (née Pierard), fresh from the Fine and Decorative Arts course at The Victoria and Albert Museum, and an exciting creative partnership was born. They opened the now established and internationally acclaimed Gallery in Battersea in 1978, pioneering a particular innovative and atmospheric style, and grew to become London's leading specialist partnership in fine British and European Country Furniture and Folk Art. Items from Robert Young Antiques are frequently illustrated and featured in authoritative works on Country and Vernacular Furniture, Antique Folk Art and Treen and published in Antiques and Interior Design related periodicals.
Robert and Josyane Young are both individually elected members of the British Antique Dealers Association (BADA) and Robert Young Antiques incorporating Riviere Interiors is a Corporate Member of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIIA). Robert and Josyane both regularly serve as specialist vetters at National and International Antiques Fairs including the Grosvenor House Antiques Fair, the Olympia International Fine Art and Antiques Fair, the New York Winter Antiques Show, the San Francisco Fall Antiques Show, the Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair London and the Antiques for Everyone Fairs in Birmingham. Robert also serves on the selected Dealer Advisory Boards for the San Francisco Fall Antiques Show, the New York Winter Antiques Show and the Olympia International Fine Art and Antiques Fair, and as overall Co Chair of Vetting and Chair of Vetting respectively at the New York Winter Antiques Show and the Olympia International Fine Art and Antiques Fair.
Robert wrote a pioneering work on European Folk Art simply entitled 'Folk Art', published by Mitchell Beazley in 1999 and co-wrote 'Treen for the Table' with Dr Jonathan Levi, published by the Antique Collectors Club in 1998. He has also been a contributor to Antiques periodicals over the years including the Antique Collector, Antique Collectors Club Magazine, the World of Interiors, Country Living, BBC Homes and Antiques and the Millers Antiques Guides for whom he has acted as a specialist consultant. Both Robert and Josyane have been interviewed on BBC Radio and Robert has taken part in the BBC Antiques Programme 'Going for a Song' as well as featuring in independent Antiques related documentaries.
