"I brought a group of 18th-century pictures because that's the prevailing taste right now and because they fit with good English furniture."

The prices, although well below the levels of those of the finest 18th-century English furniture, have been rising steadily over the last 18 months.

The floors display English furniture from the late 17th to early 19th centuries, along with mirrors, screens and accessories.

Founded in 1865, the gallery is probably the world's leading purveyor of high-end English furniture from the 17th through the 19th century.

Such pieces represent the best English furniture, the kind of understated pieces that most people are seeking.

The crop supplies a small, but thriving industry producing traditional English furniture.

In a mature market like fine English furniture, buyers pay dearly for dead center: examples that best define the category.

He believes that classic English furniture is the best buy in hard times.

Both the grounds and house, which contains a good collection of antique English furniture, opened to the public in 1971.

The news came as a surprise to those who follow English furniture.