At Gates Antiques we are proud of the customer service and quality workmanship that we provide for our customers.
Some of the best referrals and comments are those provided by our customers, here is what a few of them have to say…
Say, that Red Oil of yours is something else. I used it for the first time today and it’s one of the best furniture treatments I’ve tried, even better than the Old English Red Oil (no longer with us for some reason). Well done!
– Benjamin Herrin
My husband and I are from Atlanta, GA. Recently, we took a road trip through a number of the beautiful Mid-Atlantic states. While on our trip, we read about Gates Antiques. We decided to stop in on our way back to Atlanta. So glad we did! The shop is lovely. The antiques are authentic and beautifully restored. Jay showed us around the shop and explained the provenance of the pieces. There is so much to see. Make sure you see the workshop. Their website is excellent, too. I highly recommend this shop if you are looking for the real thing and want to be sure that’s what you are getting.
These people are expert, ethical, kind, and capable. If you need wood furniture restored, this is where you want to go. I took two mid century chests of drawers to them which had very bad surface damage, and while this is not the kind of furniture they normally deal in, they knew just exactly what they needed and what was era-appropriate. The turnaround time was very prompt and my chests came back immaculate and beautiful. I cannot recommend them highly enough! (pics are before and after images)
– Mary Eisen
Charlotte Oliver recommends Gates Antiques: “Gates Antiques has done beautiful refinishing work for me. Years ago I had a bedroom set of my parents refinished and the transformation was amazing! This past fall I took several more pieces including my father’s antique rocker which needed refinishing and reupholstering. It was in poor shape…badly needing refinishing, sunken seat, the bottom falling out. I was thrilled with the restoration! They are a wonderful business to work with and their work is always perfectly done.”
Do you have a store you have driven past dozens maybe hundreds of times…. always wanting to stop in, but not sure if it’s out of your league? Well, God knows I have and a couple weeks ago (with a little unexpected encouragement) I dropped into Gates Antiques off Old Buckingham Rd in Midlothian and let me tell you!!!!!, it was everything and more than what I expected it to be. I was welcomed so warmly, given a tour, entertained with rich history of beautiful furniture of years past, and educated on some of the reasons why certain pieces were created for the home. It was fantastic and just to have an opportunity to step back in time and be able to take in some truly well-crafted and restored pieces truly filled my heart. I learned that they have been in business since 1961 right here in Midlothian and the love/passion they have extends generations. Please check them out and visit their website too! https://gatesantiques.com/
“Thank you so much for your prompt reply. The furniture polish was a gift for my daughter-in-law. She had inherited furniture from her grandmother. She and my son just built a new home and were so glad to finally being able to use the furniture. Her dad said she needed Old English Red Oil but that it was no longer available. I know that because my grandmother always cleaned her furniture with that polish and taught me to do the same. I did a Google search and found your website. She and her dad were thrilled. I WILL be ordering more in the future. In fact, we have discussed taking a day trip to Richmond and stopping by your establishment. I need a bottle for myself as I have several fine pieces of furniture which have been in my family for generations. Believe it or not, I have never been to Richmond. Have thought about travelling there to do some genealogy research. I had an ancestor who fought in the Civil War and I have his clock, a gift from my grandfather when I married.
Thank you again for your excellent service.”
– Linda Grubb
“I really enjoyed my visit to Gates Antiques. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and low-key–they answered all of my questions and even showed me around the ancillary buildings. The space is huge and well arranged, and the selection is wide, including English and American period antiques. I’ll be back.”
– Jay W. Jorgensen
“Brace yourself, this is going to be long! I was searching for a particular lithograph to give my brother for Christmas. I had called multitudes of folks without success. I came across Jay via the internet. I explained what I was looking for, and he then went into action. He so kindly devoted his time trying to help me out. He asked for nothing in return, no finder’s fee etc. We interacted on many emails which took up a fair amount of his time. I was shocked at the congeniality, the patience, and determination Jay exhibited towards me. Just a gentleman through and through. His search for what I wanted was without success. He suggested a lithograph of the City Of Richmond as an alternative. I heeded his personal and professional advice and purchased the print. My brother lives in Richmond and I in Florida. Jay took it upon himself to hand deliver my gift which was a delight to me. This kind of service is in lacking far too often. Was I surprised, yes and no. After all we are talking about Richmond, a city of genuine and thoughtful people. God I miss my home state! Well the gift arrived and my brother was astounded. Actually in my 56 years I have never seen him show emotion. He was elated beyond words. Apparently Jays’ description of the print was right on target. You’re a good and honest man Jay! Happy New Year to you and yours. I will forever more keep you in mind for future gifting.”
– From James T., Florida
“Michael Tustin recommends Gates Antiques: “Jay Gates knows his stuff. I’m not sure I’ve met someone as passionate and knowledgable about antiques as Jay. The quality of the pieces in his shop(s) is amazing. I highly recommend a visit here to purchase a great piece or just to browse. Jay was gracious and very informative. He wasn’t stuffy or off putting, but someone who appears to genuinely love what he does. And it shows.”
– Michael Tustin
Here are some of our other reviews from Yelp https://www.yelp.com/biz/
“Jay & Jo Gates, I’ve purchased antiques from a number of reputable dealers over the years. I’ve never experienced the dedication to your customer as with finding the suitable period frame and coordinating my 19thC flag’s meticulous framing. Thanks to you Old Glory graces my home.”
– Sincerely, Lance
“Izzie’s has been using Gates Red Oil since 2011. Working with gently used antique and vintage furniture there is usually always room for improvement. Gates Red Oil does the trick! It helps cover scratched and give old wood a beautiful rich patina. We don’t know what we would do without it!”
– Izzie’s Consigning With Grace
“While I have not yet managed to purchase anything directly from Gates, it is not for lack of interest on my part, only a lack of space. They have done some very impressive restoration work for myself and my family, however, including repairing the inlay on a ridiculously complicated desk that we adore. What cannot be found on the premises [which include large outbuildings that you can dig through if they suspect your goal can be met in the extended inventory] can be found for you for no charge, and what services are not available can be recommended from elsewhere- the Gates do not hesitate to suggest what is best for the customer, despite that occasionally meaning they direct business elsewhere. I am enchanted on every visit, and will continue to return periodically so long as I remain in the area.”
– Meredith B.
“I would highly recommend Gates Antiques!!! I first discovered them in 1997 when I purchased a Betty Lamp. I had been looking for one for quite a while, and was thrilled to discover one available at Gates Antiques. Almost 20 years later, it still is proudly displayed in my home. Recently, I inquired about the restoration of an oak dresser that is approximately 100 years old. It had several coats of white paint on it, had missing carving, and had come unglued at the joints. Gates Antiques restored the dresser beautifully keeping me informed of the progress of the project every step of the way. Thanks, Gates Antiques!!! Beautiful work!!”
– Judy
“Gates Antiques is professional and personal at the same time. It is a 2nd generation family business. Mr. Gates is very knowledgeable with expertise in several styles and time periods. He helped us find several unique pieces to complement our décor. He has a large inventory of items, but he will keep his eye out for a certain style/size piece; and he will even email pics from the many auctions he attends if he doesn’t have a suitable item in stock. We have also engaged Gates Antiques for several repair jobs – and if your repair project is not worth the expense, he will advise you. Plus it is tons of fun to browse the showroom and warehouse.”
– Jeffery S.
“We received excellent service from Jay Gates at Gates Antiques. When we contacted him about the possible restoration of a our dining room set, Jay came to our house and took the time to provide a full and very helpful analysis of our options as well as the costs associated with possible restoration. When we decided that a restoration was not the best way to go, we visited Jay at his shop and he patiently and in detail showed us possible alternatives. When we decided that a replacement set was in order and that we would donate ours, Jay helped us with that process and provided an appraisal. We purchased a beautiful sideboard from Jay. The price and quality of the piece were excellent. Throughout the process Jay provided invaluable information, never pressured us to buy and always provided the service that he promised. We were very impressed with our experience at Gates Antiques and would certainly recommend talking with Jay if you are in the market for quality antiques.”
– Dominic Paris
9221 Belle Grove Drive
King George, Virginia 22485
(540) 621-7340
www.BelleGrovePlantation.comDear Mrs. Gates, Jay and team at Gates Antiques,
“It is hard to believe that one year is almost here. We think back to where we were just a year ago. In remembering how far we have come in that time, we wanted to take a moment to thank you for all the hard work you and your team have put towards our project. It was no small feat in finding and furnishing our historic, 1791 mansion of Belle Grove Plantation.
Today, people that come to our bed and breakfast, tour the mansion or use us for a special event venue just marvel at the antiques and furnishing as we walk them through our 8,000 square foot mansion. But what they have a hard time believing is the fact that we accomplished this in just six months. And for that we have you to thank.
We appreciate you taking the time to find just the right pieces for each of our rooms. People marvel at the time periods we have put together to represent the families here at the plantation. It was your knowledge, not only of the year pieces were built, but how well they would come together. Even when we didn’t think it would look as good. And the one thing we tell everyone that comes to visit us is how our design team were not just antique dealers, but furniture historians.
We appreciate the hard work and attention to detail that Mrs. Gates gave us for each of our 96 window treatments. The care and need for perfection is something people that visit notice very quickly. It was her tireless efforts that gave us windows to be proud of. Something that we point out to our tours each and every day.
Even when we don’t have tours going through or guests staying with us, we still walk through the mansion and are just in awe at the work that was accomplished. From finding the pieces to satisfying our personal taste to repairing or replacing pieces, each of you have made Belle Grove Plantation one of the most elegant historic landmarks in Virginia.
Thank you for your hard work. We were truly blessed to have found you.”With Warmest Regards,
– Brett and Michelle DarnellBelle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast
Birthplace of President James Madison
“We first became acquainted with Gates Antiques when we met Jay at a Richmond antique show. While there, we fell in love with a mirror. Jay took the time to really share his knowledge with us about the piece and not just make a quick sale. He also delivered the mirror and made sure it was properly hung. Since then, we have purchased several other wonderful pieces from Gates Antiques. With each purchase, the very knowledgeable staff at Gates Antiques has taken the time to provide us with personalized service. We will be back!”
– Jim and Bonnie Price
“I have been collecting Antique Southern Decorative Arts for over twenty years and recommend shopping at Gates Antiques. Gates Antiques has a very large inventory where you can find unique and rare pieces to fit in your collection as well as nice decorative antiques. The Gates family and their staff are very courteous and knowledgeable. You can be assured that you will be given an honest assessment of anything you purchase and they stand behind what they sell.”
– David Williams
“Jay, Thank you so much to you and your staff for the wonderful work you did refinishing my mother’s bedroom furniture! It is beautiful! I could not be happier with the transformation that was accomplished. I would like to compliment you and your staff on your professionalism, your courtesy, and especially your patience (Thanks, David!), in helping me choose the perfect stain for the furniture. I would very highly recommend Gates Antiques!”
– Charlotte Oliver
“We had the good fortune to find Gates Antiques, Ltd., while living in Richmond in the mid-1970’s. Not only did we enjoy “window shopping” there on a regular basis, we were able to get to know John and Jo Gates, and began to learn more from them about 18th century furniture and accessories. We eventually began to shop for specific pieces as we furnished our homes and continued to shop even after moving out of state. Since those early days, we have gotten to know Jay Gates, too.. We have found the whole family to be subject matter experts and more than willing to share their knowledge (and love) of antiques.
The shop has expertly restored some of our family pieces, they have appraised our furniture and accessories prior to moves for insurance purposes, we have taken their Antiques 101 course, they have safely delivered furniture pieces for us and we have always felt that we could ask questions about furniture and what made one piece more valuable than the next. Visiting the shop is like walking into a living museum!”– Pam Gillespie
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