Stanley Gibbons consolidates its position in fine antiques

Monday 10 November 2014

Jersey-based Stanley Gibbons Group has acquired Mallett PLC, a world-renowned dealer in the finest antiques and decorative arts. The move, which will see Mallett merge with Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions, is part of Stanley Gibbons’ strategy to create a global online platform with the most comprehensive range of collecting services at all price points.

The acquisition includes Mallett’s prestigious retail premises on London’s Dover Street and New York’s Madison Avenue. It will also give Stanley Gibbons’ holdings in Masterpiece London, which operates the annual art, antiques and design fair in June each year, and HJ Hatfield & Sons, the restoration and conservation studio.

Stanley Gibbons Group CEO, Michael Hall, said: "It has long been Stanley Gibbons’ aim to build a commanding global auctions presence for collectors of the finest objects and works of art whilst also developing a safe online marketplace where both collectors and traders can transact with absolute confidence. The acquisition of Mallett broadens the group’s category authority and delivers a strong brand with exceptional premises on both sides of the Atlantic. We operate in a world with an increasingly blurred line between terrestrial and digital trading. However, collectors of the finest objects will continue to value our specialists’ experience and a personalised service."

Mallett will be fully integrated and developed under Dreweatts & Bloomsbury’s existing management led by divisional CEO Stephan Ludwig.

Mr Hall said: "The continuation of Mallett’s premium retail activities, supported by its exceptional and diverse stock, and D&BA’s multiple auction services naturally lie at the core of our strategy. Both businesses occupy important niches and together will facilitate a substantially enhanced service to all of the group’s clients. We will build on Mallett’s reputation as a key destination for connoisseurs across an enlarged product range.

"By combining our businesses, our vendors will also have the opportunity to consign their finest works for sale by private treaty through Mallett’s exceptional retail outlets, in tandem with Dreweatt’s general auction services offering a traditional route to market. Furthermore, Bloomsbury Auctions’ leading works on paper business will particularly benefit from direct access to the important North American market for both antiquarian books and manuscripts as well as modern and contemporary prints and photographs."