House of Brooks

 

A Family Tradition of Passion, Professionalism & Connoisseurship

Our family's dedication to the arts extends beyond dealing and restoration. My grandfather, Cecil Mark, and my father, Peter Brooks, were both art, antique, and carpet dealers, as well as auctioneers. Each had specialized interests, and they mentored me in the art and objects they loved while teaching me the business itself.

Learning from the Best

From an early age, I worked in our family galleries and auction houses in South Africa and London. My father encouraged me to step up to the auction podium when I was just six years old. To this day, I’ve carried on this tradition, even introducing my daughter to the art of auctioneering when she was about the same age. Source: Ilovo Road Gallery (South Africa)     

                             

A Legacy of Knowledge

In London, I had the privilege of learning from Temple Brooks, a renowned collector and private dealer named after Julius Brook's antique shop on Temple Street, Birmingham. Temple Brooks specialized in rare objects d'art and virtue sharing his wealth of knowledge with me. On the weekends we left for Portobello Road at 6 a.m. and every minute was accounted for with him.

 

An oil portrait of Temple Brooks, at four years old painted by his uncle, Jacob Brooks ca 1916

The House of Brooks: A Legacy in Art and Antiques

Our Family's History

The House of Brooks was established in Birmingham, UK, in the 1800s. Joseph Brooks, a visionary entrepreneur, owned a prominent company specializing in the production of small cabinets and frames. Alongside his work as a picture dealer, Joseph passed on his passion for art and antiques to his sons, Lynn and Julius Brooks, both of whom became esteemed antique dealers.

                                                           

Henry Brooks

Henry Brooks is recorded as a "carver, gilder, and picture dealer" at 113 Wardour Street, London, between 1845 and 1849. He was also a renowned picture restorer at the same address. His contributions to the art and antiques world have been studied and cited in "The Emergence of the Antique and Curiosity Dealer 1815–1850," University of Southampton.

Julius Brooks

                                                             

Julius Brooks relocated his shop to Temple Street, Birmingham, where he became a celebrated figure. Known for his charm and expertise, Julius catered to royalty, politicians, and other notable clients. Among his contributions, he supplied Queen Mary with a papier-mâché bed, now preserved in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Source: Fine Art and Antique Dealers (United Kingdom)

                                                               

Jacob Brooks

Jacob Brooks, born in 1877 in Birmingham, was a talented landscape, portrait, and figure painter. After studying in Antwerp, Birmingham, and Cape Town, Jacob exhibited his works at prestigious venues such as The Royal Society of Birmingham Artists, the Royal Academy in London (36 exhibitions), Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, and Glasgow Institute of Fine Arts.

Oil on canvas by Jabob Brooks, born 1877 titled "Cottage near Handsworth"

Continuing the Tradition

So now you have met the family, and you have got to know me you will find that today, we carry on this proud legacy, blending the artistry, history, and craftsmanship passed down through generations to offer exceptional pieces to our customers.

So, when we say a passion for the Arts is in the blood in our family we mean it.