Business Details
6 Years
experience
Antique Dealers in Kent | Gabrielle De Giles
Gabrielle De Giles brings decades of expertise in textiles and decorative antiques to her curated showroom in Bilsington, Kent. Originally a draper with over 35 years' experience, Gabrielle transitioned to antiques when her trade became untenable, leveraging her deep industry knowledge to source and restore 18th to early 20th-century English and French country furniture. Her 18th-century barn showroom provides a unique space to display architectural pieces, paintings, and her own textiles work, offering clients inspiration and access to rare items. The business combines Gabrielle's hands-on approach with a commitment to quality, including workshops where she shares her expertise. Clients can visit by appointment, ensuring a personalised experience tailored to their interior design needs.Gabrielle's participation in the Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair for over 30 years underscores her industry standing. The barn's spacious setting accommodates large items, making it a destination for collectors and designers seeking authentic period pieces. Her textiles workshop also serves as a venue for collaborative projects and educational sessions, reflecting her dedication to preserving traditional craftsmanship. The business prioritises direct communication through phone or email, ensuring accessibility for clients worldwide. Gabrielle's longevity in related trades and her focus on curated, high-quality stock establish her as a trusted authority in the antiques sector.
Services
Antique Furniture Sales
Textiles Workshop
Showroom Appointments
Workshops & Training
Event Participation
Details
- Year established: 2020
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of expertise in textiles and antiques restoration
- Our historic barn showcases large, rare architectural pieces unavailable elsewhere
- Personalised appointments ensure tailored service for interior design needs
- Workshops share specialist knowledge from decades in the trade
- Exhibited at Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair for over 30 years
Services
Antique Furniture Sales
Specialist dealing in 18th to early 20th-century English and French country furniture. Stock includes tables, chairs, wardrobes, and architectural elements sourced for authenticity. Each piece undergoes careful restoration to preserve historical integrity while ensuring functionality for modern interiors.
Textiles Workshop
Offering curtain-making, soft furnishings, and textiles restoration. Gabrielle shares three decades of drapery expertise through bespoke projects and educational workshops. The barn's dedicated workroom facilitates collaboration on custom textile solutions for residential spaces.
Showroom Appointments
Curated access to the 18th-century barn showroom by appointment. Clients explore extensive stock ranging from furniture to paintings in an inspirational setting. Personalised consultations help source specific items or develop interior design schemes using antique elements.
Workshops & Training
Educational sessions covering traditional textiles techniques and antiques restoration. Small group workshops allow knowledge transfer from Gabrielle's 35-year career. Practical training combines historical context with modern application methods for preserving craftsmanship.
Event Participation
Regular presence at Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair since 1990s. Concept room settings showcase creative combinations of furniture, textiles, and architectural pieces. Events provide networking opportunities and exposure to new collectors seeking period-specific interior solutions.
People
Gabrielle De Giles
Owner & Founder
With 35+ years in drapery and antiques, Gabrielle transitioned to full-time antique dealing in 2020. Her expertise spans furniture restoration, textiles, and period interior design. She actively shares knowledge through workshops and curated fair displays.
Questions
What periods of antiques do you specialise in?
We focus on English and French country furniture from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, including architectural pieces and restoration projects.
Do you participate in antiques fairs outside Kent?
Yes, we exhibit annually at the Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair, creating concept room displays that showcase our stock in inspirational settings.
Can I commission bespoke textile work?
The on-site textiles workshop offers custom curtains, soft furnishings, and restoration services. Projects can be discussed in the barn workroom or at client properties.
Are workshops available for professional development?
Small group workshops share traditional techniques in textiles and antiques restoration. These sessions draw on Gabrielle's 35-year industry experience for skill development.
