About

From Sint-Jacobs to the Belfortstraat

Emil Fonfoneata has dealt in antiques for more than thirty years. The story begins at Sint-Jacobs in Ghent, where the parents of his wife Caroline Thomas kept an antique shop — the quarter around the Saint James’s church, known to collectors for generations for its antique dealers and its weekly flea market. Emil and Caroline took over the shop and turned increasingly to silver.

On 1 July 2005 they opened their own shop in the Belfortstraat, under the sign “Emil Fonfoneata en Caroline Thomas, Antiquairs” — an Art Nouveau corner building from 1907 by the architect Vaerwyck, a stone’s throw from the belfry and the town hall. For eighteen years they sold Belgian and foreign silver there, from the seventeenth to the twentieth century.

Expertise in silver

Emil took his diploma at the Antiques School of Ghent, where he later taught silver himself. He is a recognised expert in antique and modern silver at Argus, the Belgian association of art experts. In that capacity he advises private clients on valuations, among other things for estates, sales and purchases. Every piece he buys himself he researches thoroughly: provenance, hallmarks and maker are established before it is offered.

Today

Today Emil works by appointment only, both at his office in Ghent and at the client’s home. You will also find him regularly at antiques fairs. He receives you in Dutch, French or English.