Carlton Hobbs: Passionate About Antiques

When high-end antiques entrepreneur Carlton Hobbs finds a new treasure, he gets arguably as excited as the eventual owner, who may pay hundreds of thousands of dollars or more than a million for the piece. One of his finds was even featured in Popular Mechanics magazine. The Russian strongbox, dating back to about 1815, which probably was produced in a factory in Tula, features a complex lock system that fires two loaded pistols when the lid is lifted 20 degrees. Carlton Hobbs, world renowned, began his career in London, moving his firm to New York City in 2002.

Hobbs and his partner, Stefanie Rinza, purchased the former mansion of Virginia Graham Fair Vanderbilt on East 93^rd Street and renovated it to its former circa 1930 glory. Clients, visiting by appointment only, view stunning museum-quality pieces in 11 rooms, mostly British and American furniture from the 17^th through 19^th centuries. A table exhibition featured table tops decorated with lapis lazuli, mosaic, jasper, volcanic rock, and other materials, with the tables listed as high as $1.6 million. A gallery show called Inspired by Antiquity: Classical Influences on 18^th and 19^th Century Furniture and Decorative Objects included the most comprehensive Thomas Hope collection on the market since 1917.

Carlton Hobbs and his partner also host other events at their establishment, such as an evening to benefit the Sir John Soane’s Museum Foundation and a book launch party for Carolyne Roehm, who wrote A Passion for Interiors. Beyond hosting clients and various events, the passionate antiques dealer exhibits at top antiques fairs globally and researches in depth before bidding on any items whenever possible. His research library at Carlton Hobbs LLC includes 2,500 books and thousands of journal articles. Occasionally, he purchases on instinct, based on his expertise in design elements and condition.