FOUNDERS OF ROME

What could be more perfect for oversized floral or foliage arrangements than a huge hammered and riveted copper vessel…?

I mean it’s got scale, crafted by hand and beautifully preserved…. how can it get better!?

The answer? An even bigger one made of copper AND brass! These are oversized metal pitchers, known in French as ‘brocs’. Once for water, now for design magic.

And yes we bought them both!

Could this be the most beautiful curved banquet you’ve ever seen? Not something we have seen and had to share!!!!

Rich crimson velvet, gilded caning and frame on very elegant fluted legs. And that laurel garland!! A striking French Louis XVI Revival giltwood salon banquette, circa 1880–1910. Grand, sculptural and wonderfully & romantically theatrical.

We see this as a perfect corner seat in the bedroom, dressing room, or perhaps in a dining knock with a round table!

And while you’re at it, emphasise the era with a chandelier dropped over the table, or create that perfect tension with a more modern pendant.

This is one of those pieces that make your interior inimitable, unique and quite frankly irresistible.

Today is our last day in Paris, if you are interested in this piece let us know ASAP via direct message or WhatsApp. Link in bio.

We have arrived in Paris for the last leg of our buying tour, reflecting on the container of beautiful antique and vintage we have selected by hand. We will start with a little vintage and a touch of rustic!

1 & 2 - Love vintage bistro sets, and this genuine vintage Maison Louis Drucker chaise & banquette trio ‘takes the gâteau’ & is in beautiful condition.

3, 4 & 5 This early 20th Century Butchers Block ‘billot de boucher’ is so perfectly time worn- look at the worked end grain hornbeam blocks on the surface! The original iron corner brackets, integrated knife slot, deep drawer, brass ring pull, turned fluted legs- an absolute find!

6 & 7 More vintage bistro. We couldn’t help it. These two vintage French bar-height bistro stools, crafted in bent rattan with beautifully aged red-and-cream woven seats and geometric backs are tres chic ❤️

8 & 9 Vintage authentic Anduze in classic red, made by hand in Anduze by a multi generation artisan family and weathered by time. We are clearly having a red moment!

10 & 11 A collection of early 20th-century French apothecary jars, complete with their wonderfully aged original labels and deep burgundy authentic Bakelite tops. The larger jars with tin lids. Gorgeous kept grouped together! With old glass, worn paper labels and decades of character, they are keepers.

Don’t hesitate to DM with questions on any pieces that take your fancy.

With love, from Paris 🇫🇷❤️

A glimpse from storage. Yes it’s chaos. But in the beautiful chaos sits one of the more wonderfully eccentric things we brought home from Italy.

Sometimes you just can’t wait for a staged photo to share something that is just COOL! With that Italian pensione / garden room / old apothecary vibe we love this late 19th Century Italian Washstand.

An antique painted iron washstand, complete with a newly cut marble top, pivoting mirror, candle holders (!!!) and a place below for the original water pitcher.

We’ve had a new piece of marble cut with the slightest bevel, replaced the mirror and gently touched up the green, but otherwise we’re leaving all that wonderful age alone. Even the back is beautifully shabby, utilitarian and… just cool.

Dressing table? Powder room? Guest bedroom? Something completely different? A quirky bar, fill the bowl with ice maybe? (How do we always land back at how to chill Champagne?).

DM for details if it already has your name on it.

A Gilt & Bronze Selection To Love - See our latest email and join our list by visiting our website, to get first glimpses of collections, events & news. https://mailchi.mp/foundersofrome/the-gilded-beauty-of-things-worn-well

Hidden in plain sight. What am I hiding?

At first glance, a beautifully proportioned French Louis XVI style sideboard.

Then, a detail reveals itself.

A leather-lined writing slide glides effortlessly from beneath the top, transforming this piece from storage into a desk exactly as it was intended over a century ago. We imagine many a love letter was written at this desk. ❤️

Swipe through to see the hidden desk, the beautifully worn original leather, and the carved details that speak to its craftsmanship and history.

France, c. 1880–1910.

Link in bio to collection.

We are thrilled to be collaborating with a local fave, Vic Road Wine Bar & Cellar for a unique take on a French Market Day!
As a Devonport local and European Antique Dealer, how could we resist bringing Antiques, Wine, Cheese and treat together with this fabulous crew. We hope you can join us!

A little piece of France is arriving in Devonport soon.

On Saturday 18 July, Founders of Rome Antiques and Vic Road Wine Bar & Cellar will transform the wine bar into a French Market Day filled with antiques, beautiful wines, French treats and market discoveries.

Save the date.

Saturday 18 July
10–3

🇫🇷

Coming soon.. a pair of re-imagined Louis XV Revival Fauteuil Armchairs, circa 1860 and full of grandeur and grace.

But we are punching it up a notch with a bit of big cat energy! Decadent velvet irregular spots emerging from metallic threaded jacquard is luxurious.

But do we want it to purr, or roar? Please tell us what you think!

This September join us on an unforgettable Tuscan Antique & Lifestyle Journey from Florence to Arezzo and beyond.

Shop at Europe’s great antique markets, enjoy charming accommodation, memorable food and wine, postcard perfect village life and the opportunity to discover Tuscany at a relaxed pace.

And should you find something you love along the way, we’ll help arrange its journey home to New Zealand.

3–13 September 2026 | Maximum 8 guests

To receive the Information Pack, visit the link in our bio or send us a message with the word TUSCANY.
Anne & Tamara

foundersofrome.co.nz/pages/tuscany-2026

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