Return to previous page

This page contributes to the history of Wheathampstead via the display of an early web page and photographs.  Some information has been removed as it may no longer be relevant. 
c Mar 2001

Collins Antiques

Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire, AL4 8AP
England

Telephone 01582 833111

 

 

Valuations | Restoration | Location | History | Opening times

Collins Antiques Shop

 

Specialising in 17th, 18th & 19th Century English furniture

 

Examples of item for sale

 

Valuations

We undertake the valuation of furniture for probate, insurance, family division or other purposes.

 

Top of page

Restoration

Established over 80 years, our workshop offers outstanding craftsmanship with a thorough knowledge of past styles and construction techniques.  Our workshop is supported by a comprehensive range of reclaimed timbers.

Top of page

Restoration Workshop
   
 Examples of items for sale

 

Display Cabinet

Description:

Dutch floral marquetry Oak Display Cabinet on Bombe Chest.

Dimensions:

20" x 70" x 83"

Est. Date:

Early 18th C

Period:

William & Mary 1689 – 1702

Retail Price:

£11,500

Chest on Chest

Description:

Georgian Mahogany Chest on Chest

Dimensions:

22.5" x 44" x 73"

Est. Date:

1780

Period:

Georgian 1714 - 1830

Retail Price:

£3,800

Bureau

Description:

Regency period mahogany Bureau

Dimensions:

21.5" x 42" x 42"

Est. Date:

1810

Period:

Regency 1810 - 1820

Retail Price:

£1,850

 

Top of page

 

Location

We are located in the centre of Wheathampstead opposite St. Helen’s Church.

 

Wheathampstead is 25 miles (40 Km) north of London in the picturesque valley of the river Lea.  Junction 4 on the A1(M) is 5 miles to the east.  The Cathedral City of St Albans is 5 miles to the south and Harpenden is 3 miles to the west.

 

There are frequent trains from London Kings Cross Thameslink station to Harpenden.  Journey time 25 minutes met by prior arrangement.

 

Top of page

Opening times

 

Monday to Friday

xxxx

Saturday

xxx


We close for lunch 13:00 to 14:00 hrs

Top of page

History

Fredrick George Collins and his brother Charles founded the firm of F G and C Collins in 1907.  It was based at the Railway Hotel in Wheathampstead.

 

After the First World War, the brothers acquired the corner site in Church Street.  The present shop, erected in 1931, is constructed from the winter garden rescued before demolition of a local mansion.

 

Fred died in 1936, Charles was joined by his son Sam in 1950.  Two years later the partnership bought Barton House, a disused 18th Century brewery.  The building had been condemned by the local authority but after a long legal battle, the demolition order was quashed and the conservation and restoration of the building as furniture showroom commenced.  The firm became a limited company in 1960 with Charles as its Chairman.

 

In 1971 Barton House and the Corner shop were listed as buildings of architectural and historical merit.

 

The third generation of the family is Michael.  He joined the company in 1975 a year before the death of his grandfather.

 

Today the family business of FG and C Collins Ltd is run by the director Michael Collins.  They deal mainly in 17th, 18th and 19th Century furniture displayed in over 5,000 sq ft of showrooms.  The company also offers a highly skilled restoration workshop.

 

Top