THE 18th century fable of Aladdin tells us he was tricked into procuring a magic lamp containing a genie from a cave of untold treasures: the genie would grant him any wish.
Today’s Potts Point Galleries, Sydney, 67 Macleay Street, Potts Point, could be that treasure trove re-discovered.

A potpourri of antiques and unique retailers of Art Déco collectables, decorative arts, 20th century fashion, and oriental and objets d’art, the galleries feature twenty-five boutique stores, each one a specialist niche of desirables. It’s been here since August 2014 having moved from the Sydney Antiques Centre, South Dowling Street, Surry Hills.
Their common theme is a joie de vivre of delightful and interesting items and is the only one of its type in the Eastern suburbs.

Wendy Varley has been a collector for over 15 years and is a former interior decorator. She has lived in Elizabeth Bay for almost two decades. Her shop promotes elegant silverware, copper, brass, pewter and Georgian period glassware, mostly sourced from her most recent trips to Milan, New York, London and Paris.

Her boutique contains exquisite items such as a pair of elegant cream-handled 1930s silver cocktail shakers from Harrods store, London, and Limoge porcelain from Maxim’s Restaurant, Paris.
Her popular silver food domes are dramatic and exuberant.

One of the oldest items is a 1762 pewter platter, or charger, and a delicate, magnificent Royal Crown Derby, 53-piece Bone China setting in the rare Imari style and pattern. Imari is named after the Japanese port from which it was shipped to the West after the late 17th century.

A gorgeous 1900 champagne bucket by a French vigneron, the 206 year-old house of Perrier-Jouët, inscribed by “Royal Appointment” also graces the collection alongside Christofle silverware.

Karen Cope-Williams is passionate about all things Moroccan. She previously worked for the famous artist and designer, Florence Broadhurst (1899-1977).

Her Caravanserai Trading Company shop includes black and white geometric ceramics. Each is individually hand-painted and signed.
Her hand bag and scarves assemblage includes a Marrakeshian, camel leather bag encrusted with 67 brass and silver coins, traditionally used to purchase water bottles in the hot African sun, and is a fascinating fashion statement. Woven cane, satin-lined baskets with leather handles with lime and black or red and black tufted pom-poms are a hot item.
The jewel-encrusted Tajeen (cook ware) with fine bone, worked silverware and inlaid turquoise and blue porcelain from Fez is amazing.

Au Lion des Neiges (home of the snow lion) is home to a beguiling museum-quality collection of ancient Tibetan artefacts curated by Marie-Françoise Fatton. Its name derives from the ancient mythological lion in Tibetan creature, also on Tibet’s national flag.
She is an expert with 37 years’ experience and her own book, “Certain Aspects of Tibetan Art”, and is a Member of the Australian Antique and Art Dealers’ Association, a guarantee of authenticity .
The ritual brass and turquoise trumpet embossed with silver open work is impressive as is the 12th century relief copper embossed and fire gilded panel (not on display). The parchment Sanskrit script, using one of the oldest, if not the oldest, languages existing and the 18th century embroidered silk altar cloth in rich gold and blue vegetable dyes make up a rare collection which also includes petite silver medicine spoons with coral and Kirtimukha motifs, a guardian angel.
Everything is intoxicating, exotic and makes an exciting talking point.

Other shops include Alan Landis Antiques, specialising in English ceramics 1730-1950. Wedgwood, Meissen and Australiana; Lou Murray’s iconic 20th century fashion; Janet Niven, specialising in miniature portraits and objets de vertu, English ceramics of the 18th and early 19th century, early needlework and textiles, small items of furniture and decorative arts. The colourful festive, jazzy Deco Diva Antiques shop is owned by Mark Meredith.

This set of Macleay Street shops-within-a-shop has endless gifts and items for homes, restaurants bars, clubs weddings, engagement parties, birthdays and christenings etc. from a fine $15 bone-handled piece of cutlery to the most extravagant item.
Open seven days 10am to 6pm.
Email: admin@pottspointgalleriessydney.com.au

By Andrew Woodhouse, Director, Heritage Solutions

Image: Potts Point Galleries, Sydney, a treasure trove of delights 21