Business Details
24 Years
experience
Antique Furniture & Decorative Arts in San Francisco
Garden Court Antiques was founded in June 2002 by Sue Coleman, a lifelong collector of fine European antiques with over 30 years of expertise. Our showroom in San Francisco's SOMA Design District showcases curated antiques and decorative objects that emphasize patina, texture, and historical character. Sue's evolving eye for exceptional pieces, combined with Jim Gallagher's decade of experience in the design industry, allows us to offer a collection that balances elegance with approachability.We specialize in sourcing antiques that possess 'soul'pieces that tell stories through their age, craftsmanship, and unique histories. Our inventory spans 18th-century Dutch boxes to Anglo-Indian spice chests, each selected for its ability to add warmth and individuality to modern interiors. With deep connections to European markets and a focus on quality over period specificity, we provide clients with tools to create spaces rich in narrative and authenticity.
Services
Antique Furniture Sales
Decorative Arts Curation
Historical Design Consultation
International Antique Sourcing
Period-Appropriate Restoration
Design Center Showroom
Estate Collection Liquidation
Custom Patina Evaluation
Antique Authentication
Curated Inventory Management
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of expertise in sourcing European antiques with authentic patina and craftsmanship.
- Our inventory includes rare pieces like 18th-century Dutch faux shagreen boxes and Jacobean oak chests.
- Our team combines antique expertise with modern design sensibilities for functional, historical spaces.
- We provide direct access to international markets through annual buying trips to Europe.
- Our collection emphasizes 'soul'pieces that tell stories through age, texture, and unique history.
What people say
Rich patinas
Unexpected charm
Historical character
Expert curation
Soulful pieces
Services
Antique Furniture Sales
We offer a curated selection of antique furniture spanning multiple periods and regions. Each piece undergoes rigorous evaluation for craftsmanship, patina, and historical authenticity. Our inventory includes rare items like 17th-century high-back sofas and French Art Deco brass tables, ideal for creating spaces with narrative depth.
Decorative Arts Curation
Our decorative arts collection features items like 18th-century Dutch faux shagreen boxes and Anglo-Indian spice chests. These objects combine functional design with artisanal craftsmanship, offering clients opportunities to add unique focal points to interiors while maintaining historical continuity.
International Antique Sourcing
Annual buying trips to European markets provide access to exclusive inventory. From Paris flea markets to southern French fairs, we prioritize pieces with provenance and character. This direct sourcing ensures clients receive antiques with documented histories and exceptional quality.
Historical Design Consultation
We advise on integrating antiques into contemporary spaces while preserving their historical essence. Our expertise covers period-appropriate restoration techniques and contextual placement, ensuring each piece enhances spatial narratives without compromising authenticity.
Estate Collection Liquidation
We assist estates in valuing and selling antique collections through our established network of buyers. Our process maintains the dignity of inherited pieces while maximizing financial returns, with transparent documentation for legal and tax purposes.
People
Sue Coleman
Founder
Sue Coleman has collected European antiques for over 30 years, evolving from Georgian furniture specialist to global curator of character-driven pieces. Her expertise in identifying patina and historical authenticity shapes the showroom's distinctive inventory.
Jim Gallagher
Co-Owner
Jim Gallagher brings 10 years of Design Center experience to GCA, having worked with firms like Ed Hardy and Shears & Window. His market knowledge and relationships with European dealers enhance the gallery's access to exclusive inventory.
Questions
What types of antiques do you specialize in?
We focus on European and international antiques from the 17th to 20th centuries, including furniture, decorative arts, and design objects with strong patina and historical character.
Can you help with antique authentication?
Yes, our team provides provenance research and authentication services, leveraging decades of experience and international dealer networks to verify historical accuracy.
Do you offer restoration services?
While we don't perform restoration in-house, we partner with specialist conservators to maintain original finishes while addressing structural needs of antique pieces.
How often do you receive new inventory?
We conduct annual buying trips to Europe, with major shipments arriving twice yearly. Our online inventory updates weekly to reflect new arrivals.
Can I commission custom antique sourcing?
We offer targeted sourcing for specific client needs, leveraging our European market connections to locate rare or unusual antique pieces matching your criteria.
