Lorfords Antiques

A few weeks ago, I visited Lorfords Antiques along with the team from Modenus and antiques guru, Toma Clark Haines, at their incredible new show spaces in two converted ex WW2 hangars at Babdown Airfield, near Tetbury in the beautiful Cotswolds countryside.

The hangars are an absolute treasure trove packed full of fabulous and inspiring decorative antiques from 18th century through to 20th century design and therefore an absolute must-visit international destination for antique dealers, interior designers and discerning private buyers.

Lorfords Antiques have been trading in Tetbury since 2003, and in the last few years opened their second and third show spaces in the converted hangars at Babdown where they have created a stage for an unrivalled collection of 30 dealers.

Run by business partners Toby Lorford and Lesley Ferguson, Lorfords has secured its position as the one to watch in the antiques trade by embracing modern innovation and investing in a bespoke online store where you can buy or reserve your chosen pieces.

The focus at Lorfords has always been on supplying unique and beautiful furniture with the highest quality service. As the business has grown, Toby and Lesley have developed a team that takes this yet further and ensure that the buying experience, which has always been at the heart of Lorfords success, continues to wow every single time.

From styling the shop to personal deliveries, Toby and Lesley have always placed the enjoyment and inspiration of their customers at the heart of their offering. The Lorfords team is constantly striving to make your buying experience more fun, more simple and more exciting.

Wandering around the hangars, you can’t help but be drawn into the different room sets with so many beautiful pieces on display.

You can visit Lorfords at Hangar One & Hangar Two at Babdown Airfield, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8YL. They are open Monday to Friday: 9am – 5.30pm, Saturday: 10am- 4pm and Sunday by appointment. The showroom in Tetbury at 30 Long Street is open Monday to Saturday: 9.45am – 5.30pm and Sunday by appointment.

One of our favourite antiques dealers, Matthew Cox, has a stunning area at Lorfords together with the other dealers who work with Lorfords.

We’ve written before about the wonderful selection of quirky and unusual antique furniture and decorative accessories at Matthew Cox Antiques so it was amazing to see the pieces in real life – especially the carpentry and joinery architectural diagrams which are absolutely stunning.

Always one to push onwards and upwards, Lorfords have introduced “Created” – a contemporary range of furniture and lighting. Either hand made in the Cotswolds by trusted local craftsmen or sourced from the myriad of fabulous artisans they have met across the world, the range is inspired by the items Toby and Lesley have owned and loved.

Available to view at their showroom in Tetbury (30 Long Street), the seating and lighting range combines their inspiration with meticulous attention to detail, exquisite finishes and luxurious comfort. Take a look here to see more on their website.

If you plan to visit Lorfords in Tetbury, it’s worth bearing in mind they are a short drive from Calcot Manor – a beautiful 14th century country house hotel set in over 220 acres of beautiful Cotswolds meadowland. The day we visited Lorfords, we had a lovely supper at the Gumstool Inn which is set within the grounds of Calcot Manor before hopping on the train back to Paddington. While you’re there, keep your eyes peeled for the antique gems sourced from Lorfords…

For more information about Lorfords, visit their stunning website and do sign up for the New Arrivals email which goes out every Wednesday at lunchtime and contains all the latest stock.