Information
We are Tim and Betsan Bowen and we run Tim Bowen Antiques (since 2003) from our gallery in Ferryside, a small estuary village in Carmarthenshire, West Wales. We also live in Ferryside, not far from our gallery, with our three children, two dogs, currently two cats and three hens.
We have a passion for country furniture, folk art, Welsh contemporary art and everything we sell. Tim’s fascination with Welsh country furniture began when he first saw a Welsh stick chair sold in the auction room where he worked. He had found his calling, and following a few years working at the auction house, he worked for Country Antiques Kidwelly where he became gallery manager. Here he happily learnt his trade for many years until one day, Betsan, walked in and bought a chair. Tim’s sales technique obviously worked, because Betsan accumulated a collection of Welsh oak over the next few years, and after a two year courtship, they were married.
Tim and Betsan’s own home is an eclectic mix of country furniture, contemporary and period art, pottery and Welsh textiles. Their previous home was featured in various interiors magazines and on S4C (Welsh TV) (see Press/News Archive).
The Gallery
We established our business in 2003 and opened our gallery in 2005. The gallery of approximately 1500 sq ft over two floors, we think, is unstuffy gives the opportunity of viewing beautiful country furniture and objects in a peaceful unhurried, unpressurised surroundings overlooking the estuary to Llanstephan and Laugharne. The gallery is open by appointment.
Catalogues
We regularly hold exhibitions, usually in June and November for which we produce a very special (even if we say so ourselves) catalogue. Many of our customers buy from the catalogue without visiting our gallery. To make sure you have your copy leave your postal address with us by completing the Catalogue by post section on any page of the website. If you want to receive emailed newsletters and updates complete the E-Newsletter section or both if you prefer.
Why buy from Tim Bowen Antiques?
We have established good relationships with collectors and customers over the years, who often become very good friends, so most of the items we sell have not been near a sale in many years, if ever. Many of the things we sell have been in constant use since they were made, so some times they need a little restoration. If items require restoration, we ensure that the pieces’s integrity is not undermined by any insensitive restoration. Delivery can be arranged anywhere in the UK and usually carried out by us personally (deliveries outside the UK are by courier). We have a real passion for everything we sell and we stick to what we know…if you are looking for French gilt furniture or a silver christening spoon we are not your dealers! But if you are looking for beautiful, unique, historic and life enhancing things, we may be able to help.