An exotic combination of 18th century French and Arabic culture has blended beautifully on Jumeirah Beach Road, when Old Century opened the first genuine antiques showroom in the UAE.

His Excellency Abdullah Jaleel Ibrahim Fashakh Al Rukabi officially opened the Old Century showroom in Dubai, amid a truly spectacular evening, which combined the two cultures and offered the glamorous guests an evening of unparalleled entertainment.

Sylvie Gauthier, owner of Old Century addressed the guests with heartfelt words. “I have been attracted for a very long time by the Middle East. This evening I am delighted to be here amongst you and hope to contribute in bringing the two cultures together through our 18th and 19th century antiques, which will continue to be a part of history here in the Middle East.”

Sylvie brings two generations worth of experience of the French antiques market, having taken over from her father who is well known as one of the premier antiques dealers in France boasting four showrooms in Lyon, France. Old Century have developed a faithful and growing clientele in France, including many clients from the Middle East and Royal families from across the Gulf particularly from the UAE, which was the inspiration behind the move to Dubai.

Sylvie and her partner, Jean Laurent, arrived in Dubai in January 2009 and immediately fell in love with the UAE and launched themselves into researching the market and looking for the perfect Showroom, which they found in Jumeirah Beach Road, a new property with an authentic Arabic style. On taking over the property, they flew in their French tapestry expert from France in order to stretch the fabrics onto the walls, perfectly complementing the antiques.

Old Century specializes in antiques from the 18th Century including Louis XIV, XV, XVI, Regence and Directoire style as well as the 19th Century; 1st Empire, Charles X, Restoration and Napoleon III.

All the furniture is lovingly restored by qualified specialists who are highly trained in each specific product type. The furniture is sourced in France by Sylvie’s father; Jean Gauthier restored to its original splendor then wrapped, boxed and shipped from France to the UAE in refrigerated containers. When Sylvie and her father buy the pieces of furniture, they buy them as if for themselves, involving themselves in the whole process of buying, restoring and selling onto a new owner.

Sylvie is passionate about the antiques and would like to pass on her knowledge and passion to those buying the furniture, willing them to realize they are buying a part of history. “You have to love it, live it; it is an art of living, a luxury, a part of history. You live with it, pass it on to your children, in order that they too can continue to be a part of history and appreciate the increasing value of the pieces of furniture”.