Denis Geoffray and Gregoire d'Harcourt
After seven years’ trading from their charming south of France building in Milton, Unique France continues to deliver on its well-established reputation and credibility in the exclusive world of fine French antiques and arts at their new gallery-style boutique in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley.
Denis Geoffray, Gregoire d’Harcourt and Yves Do have applied their expertise in creating breathtaking French decors to the interior design of their own space, resulting in what is Brisbane’s most magnificent antiques showroom. Located within the Philip Bacon and Jan Murphy Galleries precinct, their collection is housed in an interior reminiscent of those fine provincial houses, châteaux and grand city residences from which they source their pieces.
Unique France carries a broad selection of fine French antiques including an impressive selection of elegant provincial furniture, refined 18th and 19th century marquetry pieces, decorative objects, porcelain, bronzes and art. Chandeliers are a noted speciality.
The Unique France team divides their time between Paris and Brisbane, with Denis Geoffray and Yves Do functioning as principles buyers and liaison with European sources. Denis began his career studying Law before progressing with the best auctioneers in Lille and Paris. At 24 he became the youngest dealer in Chinoiserie for the European Biennale. In 1994 Denis opened his first shop in Chartres. The opening times were restricted to the weekends so as to cater exclusively to the Parisians taking sabbaticals at their country homes, allowing Denis’ weekdays to be spent in fervent scouring of antique markets and engaged in sourcing many irreplaceable pieces from some of France’s most exquisite private homes.
In Brisbane, Gregoire d’Harcourt takes great delight in introducing both existing and new customers to the ever-changing collection, and will happily guide you on a tour through the showroom to retell the history of each piece. Gregoire studied Art History and Marketing in Paris, and formed a partnership with his best-friend Denis at their Chartres shop in 1995. The two friends expanded their business to Australia when Gregoire decided to relocate to enjoy the southern hemisphere lifestyle and climate. Fortunately, French antiques offer the perfect compliment to the decor of the ‘Queenslander’ homes found in this part of the world, while creating equally stunning effects in our eclectic, modern decors.
The parquetry decorating the floors of the Unique France boutique is a quintessentially French selection. L’Amourette Parquetry brings Parisian expertise to Brisbane at the hands of Laurent Ternus, and the exactitude of the chiselled woods in curves, volute shapes of organic blossoming branches bring a lightness of step throughout the gallery. The boutique’s walls are a showcase of the ancestral techniques of Tadelakt, Marmorino and lime finishing, all executed by Idea Creation, who bring to Australia these authentic French decoration techniques.
Both of these products are also available through Unique France as an addition to their antique collection.
Denis and Gregoire are eager to source specific pieces for clients as required, and will work from magazines, descriptions and photos to help you create the exact Decor of your dreams providing interior decorating solutions.