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Shimu: Bringing antique Chinese furniture to the UK

Ray Addison in Bradford
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02:50

In the heart of Bradford, the UK City of Culture 2025, lies a hidden gem — Shimu, a British company that transforms antique Chinese furniture into sought-after pieces for collectors, luxury homeowners, and even Hollywood productions.

Founded in 2003, Shimu specializes in sourcing and restoring vintage Chinese furniture, bringing centuries-old craftsmanship to a Western audience. Each piece tells a story, from ornate elm cabinets from Shaanxi to ancient apothecary counters once used by Chinese medicine practitioners.

Owner James Cottrell works closely with antique hunters who scour villages across China in search of rare furniture. Some pieces are shipped as they are, while others undergo restoration to preserve traditional Chinese woodworking techniques. 

"There's a lot of pieces where you really have to use your imagination because they look really far gone," Cottrell explains. "But the guys we work with are very skilled."

Shimu: Bringing antique Chinese furniture to the UK

Shimu's clientele is diverse. Some customers have a personal connection to China, while others are drawn to the elegance of Chinese design. "A lot of the time it's maybe one accent piece for a room, like a painted cabinet or an altar table," says Cottrell. "But we've had people who have done their whole house in an Oriental style."

Beyond private collectors, Shimu's unique collection has also attracted film and television companies seeking authentic Chinese furnishings. One of the company's most high-profile projects was providing set pieces for the James Bond movie Skyfall. 

"There are very few people doing this kind of thing in the UK, so if you're a film or TV production company looking for Oriental-style furniture or antiques, then there's not many people to come to," says Cottrell.

The sideboards and cabinets that arrive at Shimu's showroom in Bradford have not only withstood centuries of use but have also travelled thousands of kilometers to find a new home. Thanks to Shimu, these remarkable pieces are now beginning the next chapter of their story, seamlessly blending history with modern design.

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