Once a Place of Secrecy. Now Full of Discoveries
A Little History...
During the Second World War, our current location was a place of secrecy. It served as a base for the Westland Lysander – an aircraft famed for its covert role in placing and recovering undercover agents behind enemy lines, most notably in support of the French Resistance. Operating under cover of darkness, the Lysander became synonymous with precision, bravery, and discretion.
The aircraft itself took its name from the Spartan general Lysander, a figure associated with strategy, resolve, and the turning of tides. It’s a fitting namesake.
That history doesn’t just inspire our name – it continues to shape the character of Lysanders. Operating from a former wartime RAF building, we’ve taken a little inspiration from its past and made it part of our identity. Our broadcasts, recon reports and undercover operatives may not always be entirely serious, but our enthusiasm for the trade certainly is.
Public access authorised – Lysanders HQ opens its doors this Autumn.
About Us.......
Our-not-so-top-secret base is in Parsonage Lane, Sawbridgeworth, the town is long regarded as a key destination for antiques centres and specialist shops, and familiar to many through its appearances on television over the years.
Our former RAF site has quickly become part of our identity, we don’t take ourselves too seriously, and our Instagram reels reflect that – mixing antiques with humour, wartime style broadcasts, reconnaissance reports and the occasional questionable field operative. it’s our way of showing the less serious side of the antiques trade, while giving a genuine look behind the scenes at the people, places and objects we encounter along the way.
Operations have continued to expand, alongside Lysanders the site now incorporates “The Yard” and “The Mess” our sister warehouse housing a selected group of independent antique and vintage dealers, for now… they remain undercover.
We plan to open fully to the public Autumn 2026… follow us on Instagram for real time updates.
Thanks for parachuting in.
