Pullman Gallery - Gallery Details

“Pullman Gallery was opened in 1998 by Simon Khachadourian. Born in London in 1955, Simon followed an early career as a Chartered Shipbroker in the City of London, and entered the antiques business full-time in 1981.

Now generally regarded as the leading expert and dealer in the field of Automobile Art and collectables, he helped transform this eclectic subject into the thriving area that it is today. 'MOTORING, THE GOLDEN YEARS', which he co-authored some years ago illustrates several hundred rare early automobile posters and objects all of which have passed through Simon's hands. Published in 1991 the book was a great success, selling over 35,000 copies in five languages and is now out of print. However, signed copies are available from Pullman Gallery.

A fascination with all things automotive lead to a deep interest in car mascots, particularly the masterpieces in glass by RENE LALIQUE. Simon has, as collector and dealer, probably handled more Lalique mascots during the last 20 years than anyone else and has built several important collections for leading corporations and private collectors around the world.

Vintage cocktail shakers are a more recent passion. Simon bought his first cocktail shaker, a 1932 'Tells-U-How' recipe shaker by Asprey, for £ 30 as long ago as 1978. This simple purchase led him to develop a small private collection of cocktail shakers and bar accessories. Undiscovered treasures in those days could still be found in flea markets and junk shops, and as his fascination for this collection grew, so Simon decided that he should share this new enthusiasm; finally, in July 1998 Pullman Gallery opened in the heart of St. James's, and has rapidly become a 'destination' for collectors of what Simon has dubbed "Objets de Luxe" of the period 1880-1950.

Dubbed 'The Collector's Collector' by a leading American client some years ago, Simon's passion for his subject, be it automotive art, Rene Lalique glass or cocktail shakers is renowned and he is happy to share it with visitors to Pullman Gallery.”