About Us

Philosophy & Ethics

A single eye at TCT makes every decision from selecting the exclusive range to restoration and new designs. This is why each piece at TCT is of such high quality and described to you with integrity. Only exceptional pieces are purchased based on their decorative quality and originality. All pieces must have an international value. This policy has been developed over a number of years and results in a collection from the bizarre to the rare and collectable.

TCT is a member of the The Australian Antique and Art Dealers Association (AAADA) and adhere to their strict code of practice. As one of Australia's oldest Antique businesses with an established reputation for quality and ethics, every item in the catalogue has an accurate description and price which we guarantee. This is a core element of our business which has seen our clients buy with confidence online.

Ensuring the satisfaction of our clients is paramount and our level of service is a bench mark in the industry. This has allowed us to build relationships with families from one generation to the next.

History and Collection

Having first opened their doors in 1982, The Country Trader's Geoff Clark began setting a bench mark for many other retailers in his field. His background in architecture has given him an eye for detail, for the exceptional, the bizarre and the beautiful.

With the growth of TCT came the expansion into the extravagant 2000 square metre gallery in the PYD Building in Waterloo, also an architectural project of Geoff's creation that showcases all elements of design. The PYD Building has joined the busy Danks St design and arts precinct as a major attraction for both retail and trade customers.

Geoff Clark has established a reputation worldwide for finding remarkable pieces on his regular buying trips to Europe. From an C18th Northern Italian bureau bookcase or C17th Spanish side tables of exquisite patina, to sculptures, fountains, art deco, architectural and industrial pieces. The TCT collection is quite simply astounding. TCT are always searching for unique pieces and with two fulltime scouts on the continent of Europe very little eludes them. Geoff is forever finding new ways of manipulating antique elements to create new and exciting designs.

Locally, their strong reputation and extensive clientele base ensures TCT acquire antiques and decorative items as soon as they become available within Australia if the piece meets their quality standards.

TCT Consultants

All TCT consultants are welcoming and knowledgeable and are happy to assist you with enquires or purchases, both on line and in the showroom. They will assist you in selecting pieces that fit with your individual style, location and budget.

Testimonials

"Geoff's ability to combine the most unlikely genres to create jaw dropping and witty displays in the TCT showroom is awe inspiring. It is hard not to be impressed by such a wonderful collection on such a large scale..." 
TCT Customer

"The reason for Clark's reputation as a bit of a guru is becoming obvious. The essence of Clark's design principal is to create livability. "Any product's end use is its only function" he says. His discerning eye brings him business from all over the world…" 
Lucy Tumanow-West 
Belle Magazine February/March 2004

"Known for its antique French furniture, gilded mirrors and chandeliers, The Country Trader pays homage to the past but still is not afraid to move with the times…" 
Andrea Tomaz 
Wentworth Times

"To my knowledge there is nothing like it in the world – sensational.." 
Michael Love 
Interior Designer

"Geoffrey Clark redefines Sydney Shopping with a drop-dead gorgeous 2000sq m emporium that sells the best French antiques in the city.." 
Melissa Penfold 
Sydney Morning Herald

"Geoffrey Clark's drop-dead gorgeous emporium has some of the best looking, showiest French antiques in town, as well as items at the edgier end of the antique spectrum – crumbling Roman marbles, Gothic windows, follies and fountains. The recent multi million dollar refit features twelve galleries around a two-storey atrium. A great place to develop your sense of what looks good." 
Melissa Penfold 
Melissa Penfold’s Little Black Book

Unique Events at TCT

The exquisite Country Trader showroom is available for venue hire for corporate events and private functions providing a warm, atmospheric and unique venue that will impress your guests. Having hosted many luncheons, weddings, cocktail parties, corporate events and the annual Country Trader Christmas Showing for up to 1600 guests, the team at TCT are well equipped to host any event. For more information click on the link

Interior Design

TCT offers various interior design, decorating and styling services from colour consultancy through to complete architectural and landscape design. The largest component of TCT is this design and architectural business. In 2002 the antique business turnover was surpassed by the design practice which is still experiencing growth.

With many years of experience TCT have created a service that focuses on fulfilling the client's needs by tailoring each design to suit the individual. For more information on the services available click on the link

Accommodation

For visitors looking for stylish, fully furnished, quality accommodation, The Country Trader Executive Apartments offer the convenience of modern amenities with the charm of decorative French antiques. Located in Darlinghurst, one of Sydney's most dynamic city fringe precincts, we offer three exquisite apartments, each unique and totally private, all offering large terraces for entertaining. The serviced apartments are available for short or long stays. For more information click on this link

Terminology

Some useful help in understanding our descriptions:

Period – This means the piece is from the original period when the style first appeared. For example, a Louis XVI chair of the period 1774 to 1793 would be described as a "Louis XVI period chair".

Style – This identifies the piece as being made after the first period in which this style appeared but it may be antique. For example, if described as a "Louis XVI style chair" it would be made between 1793 and today. We usually accompany this by a date, for example “Louis XVI style chair Circa 1840”.

Circa eg. C1840 – We endeavor to give an indication of the date around which the piece was made. This would indicate a 10 year period around the date 1840.

Reproduction – This item was recently made and is available in multiples.

Contemporary – This item was recently made but we cannot obtain more.

Timber – This describes the majority of timber used in the piece of furniture.

Lighting - All lighting sold by The Country Trader has been rewired to Australian standards and does not need to be altered for America, Asia or Europe.

Measurements

All measurements use the Metric system, expressed in millimetres.
1000 millimetres = 1 metre which equals approximately 39.5 inches.
H = height L = length or W = width D = depth.
These measurements are always taken at the most extreme point. For example, on a cupboard the width includes the overhanging top cornice on each end and the depth includes the overhang on the front. This should be taken into account when measuring furniture, as it can add up to 300mm, or 12 inches.
If you require additional dimensions or information about an item, or a conversion from Metric to Imperial (ie feet and inches) please contact us.