Business Details
33 Years
experience
Your Premier Destination for Authentic Antique Furniture & Decorative Items
Established in 1993, Salisbury Antiques Centre has become the South of England's premier destination for authentic antique furniture and decorative items. Founded by Chris Watts, a respected antiques specialist with over five decades of experience, our 14,000 sq ft emporium showcases meticulously curated English and Continental antiques, ranging from fine furniture to rare curiosities. Our team of experienced dealers collectively brings centuries of expertise, ensuring every piece meets exacting standards of quality and originality. We cater to collectors, interior designers, and private buyers seeking investment-grade antiques for grand estates or smaller homes. Unlike modern stores offering reproductions, we specialise exclusively in authentic period pieces, including clocks, oil paintings, arms and armour, and decorative objects. All items are clearly priced and measured on our website for convenient browsing, with worldwide shipping available via competitive courier services. Located just 10 minutes from Salisbury railway station and under two hours from London, our showroom offers accessible access to exceptional antiques. Chris Watts personally oversees acquisitions and shares his expertise in specialist areas such as antique clocks and weaponry. Our commitment to transparency ensures accurate descriptions and professional service, building trust with clients since our founding. As the largest antiques centre in the South West, we continue to uphold traditional values while embracing modern conveniences for our global clientele.
Services
Antique Furniture
Clocks & Timepieces
Fine Art Paintings
Decorative Objects
Antique Mirrors
Bronze Sculptures
Glass & Porcelain
Arms & Armour
Silverware
Oriental Art
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of combined antiques expertise from our specialist team
- Our 14,000 sq ft showroom houses one of the South's most comprehensive collections
- We specialise exclusively in authentic period antiques, not reproductions
- We provide expert guidance on rare items including clocks, weaponry and fine art
- We offer worldwide shipping with competitive courier pricing
Services
Antique Furniture
We offer an extensive collection of English and Continental antique furniture dating from the 16th to 19th centuries. Our inventory includes rare pieces such as Regency mahogany tables, French giltwood armchairs, and Louis XV style sideboards. Each item undergoes rigorous authentication and condition assessment by our specialist dealers. Our furniture collection caters to both grand estates requiring statement pieces and modern homes seeking unique additions.
Clocks & Timepieces
Our specialist clock department features rare timepieces spanning multiple centuries. From grandfather clocks to mantel clocks, each item is carefully restored while preserving original mechanisms. Founder Chris Watts personally curates this collection, drawing on his 50 years of expertise in horology. We offer comprehensive provenance information and condition reports for all timepieces in our inventory.
Fine Art Paintings
We specialise in antique oil paintings ranging from 18th-century portraits to 19th-century landscapes. Our collection includes works by established and emerging artists, all verified for authenticity. Each painting receives professional conservation treatment where necessary, with full documentation of restoration history provided to buyers.
Decorative Objects
Our decorative arts collection features mirrors, bronzes, glassware, and porcelain from renowned manufacturers. Highlights include Regency mirror designs, French ormolu mounts, and Sevres porcelain pieces. These items are sourced from European estates and auction houses, with particular emphasis on craftsmanship and period authenticity.
Arms & Armour
We offer a curated selection of antique weapons including swords, firearms, and ceremonial armour. This specialist collection focuses on European military history from the 16th to 19th centuries. Each piece comes with detailed provenance information and complies with current UK antique firearm regulations.
People
Chris Watts
Founder and Antiques Specialist
With over 50 years in the antiques trade, Chris Watts established Salisbury Antiques Centre in 1993. His expertise spans clocks, oil paintings, weaponry, and rare curiosities. He personally oversees acquisitions and authentication processes.
Questions
What types of antiques do you specialise in?
We focus on English and Continental antiques from the 16th to 19th centuries, including furniture, clocks, oil paintings, arms & armour, and decorative objects.
Can I visit your showroom?
Our Salisbury showroom is open Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday 11am-4pm. Appointments available outside these hours by prior arrangement.
Do you offer international shipping?
Yes, we provide worldwide shipping with competitive courier quotes and full insurance coverage for all items.
Are reproduction pieces available?
No, we specialise exclusively in authentic period antiques. You won't find shabby chic or reproduction furniture at our emporium.
How can I get valuation advice?
Contact us via phone or email with detailed photographs and descriptions. For complex valuations, we recommend an in-person assessment at our showroom.