Lauder and Howard is a long-established antique dealer sitting on the outskirts of Hobart, Tasmania. The shop has been trading since 1979, making it one of the more enduring names in Australian antique dealing. That kind of longevity is not accidental. It reflects a consistent focus on quality and a reputation built steadily over decades.
The business is run by named principals Les Lauder and Mark Howard, both experienced dealers who research individual pieces before they reach the shop floor. That hands-on approach matters to serious collectors. Rather than filling a space with undifferentiated stock, the pair curates selectively and brings genuine context to what they sell. Buyers leave with more than an object — they leave with a clearer sense of its history and provenance.
Lauder and Howard holds membership with the Australian Antique Dealers Association, the industry body that sets professional standards for dealers across the country. The shop also carries an affiliation with CINOA, the International Confederation of Antique and Art Dealers, which connects credentialed dealers across more than twenty countries. For collectors who care about buying with confidence, these affiliations signal a genuine commitment to ethical dealing and honest representation of stock.
The shop interior rewards careful browsing. Antiques and art share the floor, drawing in visitors with varied collecting interests. The range feels considered rather than crammed, with each piece given room to be seen properly. Staff knowledge runs deep, and that makes conversations at the counter genuinely useful rather than merely transactional.
Hobart has developed a real identity as a destination for antique hunters. The city's strong collecting culture, its proximity to estate sales across southern Tasmania, and a community of serious buyers all contribute to that reputation. Lauder and Howard fits naturally into that scene as one of its most credentialed participants. The shop draws collectors from across Australia, not just the immediate region.
For buyers who cannot visit in person, the shop maintains an online presence that includes an archive of pieces currently available and items recently sold. The sold archive is particularly useful. It gives remote buyers a clear sense of the shop's taste and price range before they make the trip or place an enquiry.
Whether you are tracking a specific period, hunting for a particular object type, or simply exploring what a well-run Tasmanian antique dealer looks like, Lauder and Howard is worth the detour. The combination of professional credentials, long experience and a genuinely curated stock makes it one of the stronger stops on any Hobart antique itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long has Lauder and Howard been trading?
A: The shop has been trading since 1979, making it one of the longer-established antique dealers in Australia.
Q: Are the dealers professionally accredited?
A: Lauder and Howard holds membership with the Australian Antique Dealers Association (AADA) and an affiliation with CINOA, the International Confederation of Antique and Art Dealers. Both bodies set professional standards around quality and honest representation of stock.
Q: Can I browse their stock without visiting in person?
A: The shop maintains an online archive of current and recently sold pieces. The sold archive is particularly useful for getting a sense of the shop's taste and price range before making the trip or placing an enquiry. Check their website for the latest listings.
Q: What kind of stock does the shop carry?
A: Antiques and art share the floor, with a curated rather than crowded selection. The principals research individual pieces before they reach the shop, so staff can provide context and provenance information at the counter.
Q: Where is Lauder and Howard located?
A: The shop is on the outskirts of Hobart, Tasmania. Confirm the exact address and current opening hours directly with the shop before visiting.
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