From Small Beginnings to a Giant Success
When Georgian Antiques launched in 1978 under the direction of Padraic Dixon, it started with around 600 square feet of premises. “The size of a good double bedroom these days,” says John Dixon, Padraic’s brother, who joined him in 1981 and now heads the business alongside him.
Success meant dedication, with 90-hour weeks the norm. The lack of space at the beginning meant that they had to turn stock around quickly to make room for the next purchase, but the magic was there from the start.
“We were in the right place at the right time. When we started, everything sold!” says John.
Incredible Business Growth and a Name for the Ages
They have multiplied by more than 130 times the original operating space. Now at 80,000 square feet in the historic area of Leith on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Scotland, it’s packed with treasures. “We have loads of room but no space,” John quips.
Padraic came up with the name Georgian Antiques – a farsighted choice. John affirms. “It was a very good generic selection because even today, if you put in Georgian Antiques [to Google] we come up first.”
Creating a One-Stop-Shop for Private Clients and Interior Designers
John believes that one of the main attractions of Georgian Antiques is that it acts as a one-stop shop for interior decorators, designers, and people simply looking to furnish their own homes.
“We do everything: furniture, upholstery, polishing, gilding, chandeliers,” “If you buy a big gilded mirror that’s 12 feet high, we will send the van with six people to hang it on the wall over your mantelpiece.”
With 18 full- and part-time staff qualified in a variety of specialties, Georgian Antiques offers what must be one of the widest ranges of antiques and collectibles in the British Isles.
A Dedication to Quality in All Things
Their 40-plus years of expertise and the quality of objects and service have won them awards, including Best Antique Shop in Scotland and Antique Shop of the Year (Homes & Antiques Awards 2013) voted by the public.
The impact they have made through their dedication to quality is evident in the numerous glowing reviews online like this one,
“A hidden Gem” and a big one at that! I’ve never seen such a large collection of antique furniture and curiosities under one roof, and I never come away from there without learning something new. If you have any interest in antiques and you are anywhere near Edinburgh you have to make your way down to this place.”
A Full and Beautiful Life
In those rare spare moments he can find, John is also the Finance Director and Company Secretary for LAPADA, the UK’s largest art and antique dealers association.
It’s a full life, and John sums up what it means to him best on his LinkedIn profile: “Selling Antiques for over 30 years and still learning something new every day! This must be the best business in the world — we get the opportunity to buy and sell beautiful pieces on a daily basis.”
Hear John Dixon’s story of Georgian Antiques in the video below.
Connect with Georgian Antiques:
Website: https://www.georgianantiques.net
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgianantiques/
