Grays Antique Hypermarket

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Grays Antique Hypermarket
Grays Antique Hypermarket
Location	London, England, United Kingdom
Address	58 Davies Street & 1-7 Davies Mews, London W1K 5AB
Phone	+44 (0) 207-629-7034
Website	http://www.graysantiques.com
Operation Hours	Monday - Friday: 10 am - 6 pm; Saturday: 11 am - 5 pm
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[edit] About

London's Grays Antique Hypermarket is home to one of the largest and most diverse collections of fine antiques, jewellery and collectables in the world. Seconds from Bond Street, Grays is the focus of the London Antiques trade and is home to some of its finest dealers. Grays is split into two distinct sections, Grays and The Mews, each with the multiplicity of stock you would expect from an international fair, yet with more than a sprinkle of London history.

The dealers' stands are situated in a beautiful Nineteenth-century terracotta building in the heart of London's West End, in Mayfair. Seconds away from Sotheby's, Phillip's, Asprey's, The Royal Academy and many other institutions that make London the unquestioned epicentre of the art and antiques world. The diversity and individuality of the antique dealers at Grays and their breathtaking stock is one of the many aspects which make shopping at Grays such a fascinating and memorable experience. The dealers offer a wide range of luxury pieces from Cartier to Tiffany, as well as exquisite antique pieces that are sure to impress.

Grays, a grade-two listed building, was designed by the eminent Edwardian architect Reginald Bloomsfield and was originally commissioned by water closet manufacturers, John Bolding and Son. Throughout the Nineteenth-century John Bolding and Son rivalled Thomas Crapper for toilet supremacy. In the true spirit of the great Nineteenth-century merchants, they took great pride in creating a headquarters that was as much a thing of beauty as it was a functional site. It is this tradition that Bennie Gray, the founder of Grays, bore in mind when he set about restoring the near-derelict glories of the former water closet showroom.

Nestled behind Grays imposing façade is The Mews, which is home to many more dealers. These include a range of Islamic Art, beautiful collectable dolls and a wonderful array of inexpensive collectable trinkets that are on sale in our glass showcases. The Mews was built circa 1900 and was also taken over by Bolding in 1931. The basement of The Mews had been under six feet of water for many years. On closer inspection it was found that a spring arose from one end of the building. This was discovered to be a lost tributary of the River Tyburn, which rises in Hampstead and flows through the basement towards the River Thames. Bennie Gray recognized that this natural phenomenon should not be hidden in water pipes and so the spring was channelled into a beautiful water feature filled with exotic fish.

The Mews is also home to Vintage Modes, a luxurious silk and velvet lined emporium dedicated to vintage fashion. Bringing together some of Britain's leading vintage dealers, Vintage Modes offers a permanent collection of gorgeous frocks and gowns from the Victorian era to the Nineties, as well as textiles, handbags and exquisite accessories. From designers such as Ossie Clarke, Jean Muir, Christian Dior and Halston, you'd be hard pressed not to find at least one piece of vintage gold!

Grays itself has always been in vogue: professionals have shopped at Grays for generations; celebrities are also very well versed in the delights of the eclectic arena of antiques. At the epicentre of the fashion world it is of little wonder why Grays customers encompass so many of the famous and fashionable. Regulars include Stella McCartney, Scarlett Johansson, and Kate Moss. With all the frock shops in the area, the building holds all the accoutrements a stylist could wish for, particularly if they are sourcing their jewellery or interior ideas. Grays and The Mews perfectly compliment the catwalk, whether it's a diamond encrusted platinum deco ring, an Islamic ivory and amber beaded necklace, or any of the other treasures hidden within the troves here at Grays.