Historical Design

About

ANTIQUA is an Athens based design gallery specialized in Historical Design and Masterpieces of the 20th century.

The gallery was founded in 1954 by Yiannis and Aliki Yiannoukou and over the years, became one of the most prestigious antiques stores in Athens. By descent, ANTIQUA was run by their two children Elizabeth and Thanassis who continued the family tradition while also expanding into new areas.

Since the early 2000’s, Yagos Kounelis – Elizabeth’s son – gradually integrated within the gallery’s interests, 20th century Mid Century Modern Design and Modern Art and by 2013 ANTIQUA was officially focusing on Historical Design Furniture, Lighting and Ceramics from Masters of Design of the Post War period.

In 2016 ANTIQUA was relocated in Kolonaki area, continuing the promotion of high-quality Historical Design within the Greek capital: from well-known Design Masters, such as Carlo Mollino, Gio Ponti, Ettore Sottsass, Angelo Lelii, Poul Kjaerhholm and Pierre Paulin, to Greek designers with an international presence such as Philolaos Tloupas, Yannis Moralis and Eleni Vernadaki, the gallery covers the areas of furniture, lighting, ceramics and sculpture.

The gallery’s mission is to present important figures of the 20th century’s Design scene through thematic installations, editorial projects and publications. In addition, the curatorial selection includes a particular attention in researching and developing Greek architects and local artistic figures of the period, promoting them in the international market of collectible design. 

ANTIQUA’s program also includes a section of Contemporary Editions, called “The Contemporary Project” which develops and highlights the work of emerging artists and designers, always in dialogue with Historical Design. 

With experience, technical knowledge, and attention to detail ANTIQUA continues to create aesthetics based on selection and uniqueness through which it supports and supplies Private Collections, Architectural projects and Institutions.