After a complete and impressive refurbishment, the showrooms are unrecognisable from the days, not too long ago, when they were presided over by the late Tom Devenish.
The antiques are spread over three floors and among a very glitzy stock there is a real showstopper, visible from the street and sure to tempt the passers-by. This is a George I bureau bookcase attributed to the partnership of James Moore and John Gumley, and the colour is so golden it positively glows. Decorated all over with carved and gilded gesso, the c.1720, 7ft 103/4in (2.4m) high golden cabinet passed to the Portuguese Royal Family soon after it was made and has spent most of its life in Portuguese aristocratic circles.
Mallett’s Madison Avenue emporium opened on April 30 and James Harvey, who came over from London to run the American enterprise, told me early sales were most encouraging, with some blistering business in the opening week.
Mr Harvey explained that the Manhattan shop is “a portal for London”, not a separate entity, and although the firm already have many American clients one of the objectives is to meet new ones.
Malletts may be cultivating and servicing the American market but the London connection is strong, with Bond Street senior staff coming out for six-week stints on Madison Avenue. “The expertise is still in London,” says James.
Mallett’s make their mark
WHILE in New York for the International Fine Art Fair, I dropped into Mallett’s new shop at 929 Madison Avenue. It could not have a better location and it is glamorous enough to have already made its mark in this select corner of Manhattan.
