About us
A Family Antiques Business with Real History
About Hawkins Antiques
Hawkins Antiques began with Jack Hawkins in Warwickshire, England, in the late 1960s. After several successful years trading in the Midlands, Jack relocated the business to Barry, South Wales, where it grew from a small local antiques shop into a well-known family dealership with a 7,000 sq ft warehouse of furniture and decorative pieces.
Through the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s the Hawkins family supplied trade buyers and private clients around the world, loading regular containers of English and French antique furniture for Europe, the USA, and Asia. That export background shaped the way we buy today — pieces are chosen for quality, authenticity, and decorative presence, not just to fill floor space.
Today the business is led by Anthony and Lee Hawkins, focusing on bringing that same level of sourcing directly to UK private buyers, interior designers, and stylists.
Heritage
From Local Shop to Trusted Dealer
Over six decades of buying, selling, and handling fine antique furniture — each generation building on the last.
1970s — Moved to Barry
The family relocates from Warwickshire to Barry, South Wales, where Jack Hawkins opens the first Hawkins Antiques shop. Barry's proximity to Cardiff and the M4 makes it the ideal base for a growing dealer.
1980s — Warehouse Expansion
The business moves into a large warehouse in Barry to focus on higher-quality cabinet furniture and decorative pieces. The increased space attracts trade buyers from across the UK.
1980s–2000s — Global Export
The family expands into export, sending regular containers of English and European furniture to the USA, Europe, and Asia. This period builds deep knowledge of international quality standards and period attribution.
Today — Direct to Collectors
Anthony and Lee Hawkins now concentrate on supplying private clients, interior designers, and collectors directly across the UK — applying the same sourcing standards that served international buyers for decades.
Our Specialisms
Cabinet Furniture, Mirrors & Decorative Pieces
French Antique Furniture
French vitrines, kingwood and Vernis Martin cabinets, Louis XV and XVI commodes, ormolu-mounted pieces, marble-top consoles, and Belle Époque statement furniture. Our deepest specialism and the area where our sourcing network is strongest.
British Cabinet Furniture
Georgian mahogany chests and sideboards, Victorian burr walnut credenzas, Edwardian satinwood cabinets, breakfront bookcases, and dining room furniture. Pieces chosen for quality of timber, construction, and condition.
Tables & Seating
Dining tables, centre tables, games tables, writing desks, salon suites, and occasional seating. We regularly stock Georgian and Victorian dining sets — tables with matching chairs in mahogany, oak, and walnut.
Decorative Antiques
Gilt mirrors, decorative stands, clock garnitures, and unique statement pieces. We look for decorative pieces with genuine presence — objects that bring character and authenticity to an interior.
The Barry Warehouse
Our 7,000 sq ft warehouse in Barry holds a constantly changing selection — typically 80–120 pieces at any one time. Many items are listed online, while others sell directly from the floor. Viewings are available by appointment — call ahead on 01446 744271.
Service & Delivery
Honest photography, clear condition reports, and two-man delivery across most of the UK. Every piece is checked before it leaves us. Short-term storage available for buyers who need delivery coordinated around a move or renovation.
Visit Us in Barry, South Wales
Unit 15, Palmers Vale Business Centre, Palmerston Road, Barry, CF63 2XA. Just 20 minutes from Cardiff city centre, easily accessible from the M4 at Junction 33. Free parking on site. Viewings by appointment — call 01446 744271 or email lee@hawkinsantiques.com.
Browse the Collection
Stock changes weekly — new pieces sourced from private estates across the UK and Europe.
View All Furniture