About Us
Philosophy & Ethics
A single eye at The Country Trader (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 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 showroom 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 C18th Northern Italian bureau bookcases 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