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Leon Sassoon

leon-sassoon

Leon Sassoon of C. John, London, established 1933.

A conversation between Leon Sassoon and project volunteer Chris Coles.

Leon Sassoon, of the specialist textiles and antique carpets and rugs dealer C. John are now trading in South Audley Street, Mayfair, London.

In an absolutely fascinating interview Leon told us about the beginnings of the firm of C. John, which was started by Leon’s uncle in Oxford in 1933. Their shop in Oxford was eventually closed in 1976, to allow concentration on their shop in London.

Leon reflected on the changing landscape of the antique trade, and on his relationships with some major collectors of carpets, and with museums, over the last 50 years. The interview is a fascinating insight into a very specialist area of the antique trade.

Photograph courtesy of Leon Sassoon.