My grandfather, F.W. Read, was a Lincolnshire farmer who spent much of his spare time at country house sales at a time when many of the large estates were being split up and the large houses divested of their contents. As a boy I was fascinated by the wonderful old furniture and objects he had brought home and lovingly squeezed into his house, piled high and smelling of beeswax; I believe I have him to thank for my lifetime passion for beautiful furniture.

As a young man, I re-lived this childhood intoxication the first time I visited Liberty’s timber framed store in Regent Street which for me had the feel of an Elizabethan country house. It didn’t take me long to find the then extensive ‘Antique and Second-Hand Furniture’ department (as it was then called) where I spent three years privileged to work alongside some extremely knowledgeable people including family members from the Partridges (of Bond Street) and the Harvey’s.

The owner of a fine furniture shop based in the old Town Hall at Knutsford in Cheshire, suitably impressed by my knowledge and background, challenged me to create a ‘miniature Liberty’s’, specialising in fine antique reproductions, and eight years here convinced me I could build a thriving furniture business of my own.

I wanted to be in Lincolnshire, but by chance stumbled across Geoff Whittaker’s antique shop in Newark, Nottinghamshire – a deal was done and for the next sixteen years, I ran an extremely well-known antique and furniture business: Wade-Smith and Read in partnership with the late Allan Wade-Smith and with the invaluable help of my father the late Peter Read.

In May 1996, three days after the birth of my first son, I fulfilled my wish and opened the doors of my own shop in Horncastle, Lincolnshire.

For over twenty years I have continued to deal in good quality Antique furniture and decorative items, always ready to advise clients on their requirements concerning both antique and bespoke furniture (whether produced in period or contemporary designs).

I always have examples of large oak dining tables, boardroom and hotel dining tables on display and have produced and supplied furniture for a number of high class London hotels and international corporations, as well as the many discerning individuals I have met over the years.

I look forward to introducing you to my beautiful furniture.