The new generation Antiques Gallery
16.03.21
A little bit of history...
The Atena Gallery was born at the Louvre des Antiquaires , a stone's throw from the Louvre Museum, where Frédéric and Nidal Sioufi opened their first gallery in 2001. This exceptional place in the heart of Paris has long been considered essential for collectors as well as for tourists passing through.
antique dealers quickly realized the importance of the internet and launched their website in 2002. They were among the pioneers of online sales in their field. The early development of their website allowed them to cope with the decline in foot traffic at the Louvre des Antiquaires and the growing interest of customers in design and contemporary art.
In 2014, they decided to reorganize their business, leaving the Louvre des Antiquaires. Faced with exorbitant rents in Paris, they moved into a beautiful architect-designed house built in 1969 in Le Vésinet, which serves as a guest gallery where they exhibit 20th-century design furniture . Simultaneously, they opened a large showroom in Montesson to display decorative objects and furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Founders of the Atena Gallery - Frédéric and Nidal
An unusual business model for an antique gallery
At their Montesson premises, they are implementing a new organization that integrates the entire value chain, enabling them to provide impeccable service to best satisfy their customers. They invite us to discover the journey of their products from purchase to delivery to your doorstep, including restoration.
Step 1: Selecting the objects
For 20 years, Frédéric and Nidal have patiently selected each object for its beauty, authenticity, and state of preservation. Their pursuit of rarity and exceptional craftsmanship allows them to offer a selection of objects whose value is not subject to speculation or passing trends. They both share a passion for discovering new objects and readily invest in unusual pieces . Their greatest satisfaction comes from sharing this pleasure with their clients and building lasting relationships based on trust and a love of beautiful things.
Louis XV style mirror, Napoleon II era
Antique painted canvas screen, French work, circa 1830
Step 2: The restoration workshop
In their workshop, each object is carefully cleaned and restored to give it back its original shine while preserving its authenticity.
Herbert and their daughter Emma handle the majority of the restoration work on objects and furniture, but they also call upon specialized restoration craftsmen for specific projects. Their many years of experience in the field have allowed them to build a network of skilled artisans, including gilders, cabinetmakers, and upholsterers. They select these artisans for the quality, rigor, and precision of their work.
Step 3: The photo studio
Once restored, the objects are photographed by Yves, the gallery's photographer since 2004, in their photo studio , ensuring high-quality results. Galerie Atena is committed to faithfully representing the objects and refuses to alter their appearance with filters. The exceptional quality of the photographs they offer on their website guarantees 100% customer satisfaction.
Step 4: Exhibition spaces
Once restored and photographed, the objects are distributed among their various exhibition spaces:
- 18th and 19th century furniture is stored in their showroom in Montesson.
- Designer furniture is moved to their guest house in Le Vésinet.
- Small collectibles are displayed in their Paris gallery on Rue de Miromesnil.
Today, even though 95% of their customers buy online without leaving home, it is still possible to make an appointment to see their items in one of these three locations.
The Gallery Showroom, located in Montesson in the Paris region
The Vésinet guesthouse, decorated with 20th century design furniture
Step 5: Uploading the objects
Before being published on their website and other specialized platforms, the objects are carefully described by Julia, an art history specialist. To describe the objects as accurately as possible, she must undertake extensive research, documentation, and cataloging of the dimensions and condition of each object.
Step 6: Packaging and shipping
When an item needs to be shipped, it is custom-packed in their workshop to ensure secure transport and guarantee impeccable service . They make their own crates, in wood or triple-walled cardboard, tailored to the size and weight of the items. They take every precaution to protect them with appropriate packing materials (tissue paper, bubble wrap, blankets, rigid boxes, and additional protection if necessary). Herbert is in charge of the design and custom manufacturing of all packaging so that their precious items travel in the best possible conditions.
This new organization has allowed them to integrate the entire value chain, in order to significantly reduce their costs and offer their customers extremely attractive prices for impeccable and high-quality items.
The digitalization of the sector
The digitalization of the furniture industry and the development of new technologies have allowed them to offer their customers a very high-quality online user experience. The precision of the photos and the optimized navigation of their website are just some of the elements that make selling their products online possible.
For the past few years, they have been offering a 3D tour of their showroom, allowing customers to immerse themselves in their world from the comfort of their living room! The quality of this technology provides a very precise idea of the objects, enabling customers to shop with complete peace of mind.
Today, they are embarking on the adventure of 3D modeling all their furniture and objects, so they can easily integrate them into any design project. Files of their modeled objects are available on SketchUp's 3D Warehouse platform.
