Hans Kreft is one of the few dealers whose interest in antique clocks began as a modestbut dedicated collector.
In 1971 he became a professional dealer by chance rather than by design when,
in the early seventies of the past century, he offered part of his beloved collection for sale.
It was the chance to participate simultaneously in respected antique fairs like those in Breda,
Delft and Amsterdam (PAN) that eventually led to a more specialised knowledge and a wider collection
of more sophisticated and rarer pieces. This increased knowledge, together with a constantly
improving taste and feeling for collectors’ items contributed to the success of the dealership.
Now, acknowledged as an authority
beyond the bounds of his native Netherlands,
Hans Kreft shares his experience and knowledge with others by writing magazine articles
and delivering lectures on the history of antique clocks.
After three decades as a resident of Rotterdam, still the largest port in the world, in 2000 Hans Kreft decided to leave the turbulence of the hectic city for the peace
of an historic Dutch house just over the border in Belgium, roughly 30 km south of Eindhoven.
After two years of extensive house and garden restoration the dream finally came true.
Opened in February 2002, the country house accommodates a constantly changing collection of antique clocks
and exceptional pieces of mostly 18th century veneered furniture.
Of the high quality antique clocks offered for sale, the emphasis favours longcase, table and wall clocks from the countries that produced the
finest clocks in history: England, France and last but not least, The Netherlands. The period covered
is roughly 1650 –1850 with a strong accent on the work of London, Paris and Amsterdam makers.
Although the controlled measurement of time has been the inspiration behind Hans Kreft's lifelong
passion, time has no limits where his enthusiasm
for customer service is concerned. The doors
of his home are always open to anyone interested in antique clocks
and special pieces of high
quality furniture. There are no official hours of business but an appointment ensures full attention. |
