about us
about us
Family founded in 1970 and evolving ever since.
wiltshire based | family run | a team of experts
Explore the UK's largest Asian Art & Antiques collection
Indigo Antiques began its journey in the 1980s, born from Richard & Marion Lightbown’s early travels across India and their growing fascination with Asian craftsmanship. What started as a small market stall soon evolved into a specialist business shaped by hands-on sourcing, decades of exploration, and a deep respect for the traditions and techniques of Asian art. Over the years, that foundation has grown into the UK’s largest and most diverse collection of Asian antiques and architectural salvage.
Tom Lightbown joined Indigo full-time in 2018, building on the legacy established by his parents, Marion & Richard. Drawing on his own experiences working at prestigious London designer store Heal’s and extensive years spent travelling across India and the Far East, Tom has brought a discerning eye and a rigorous, research-driven approach to the business. His focus on authenticity, provenance, and cultural relevance has further cementing Indigo’s reputation as the UK’s foremost authority on decorative Asian antiques, art & decor.
Today, Indigo Antiques is a trusted resource for private clients, interior designers, & trade buyers seeking an expert guide in the world of decorative Asian antiques, art & architecture from India, China, Japan, Tibet & Korea. With its breadth of stock and deep expertise, Indigo has become a go-to destination for anyone looking to bring character, history, and global style into their interiors.
OUR HERITAGE
Richard and Marion Lightbown’s travels overland to India in the early 1970s sparked a lifelong passion for Asian antiques. What began as a small market stall in Camden Lock has grown into 13,000 sq ft of showrooms and barns housing the UK’s largest collection of genuine Chinese and Indian antiques.
Their son, Tom, inherited the same love for Asian craftsmanship. Having spent much of his life exploring the region, he joined the family business in 2017 and has helped broaden the collection to include Tibetan, Mongolian, Korean, and Japanese pieces. His energy, curiosity, and discerning eye continue to shape Indigo’s evolving identity.
Alongside its antique collections from the 18th to early 20th centuries, Indigo also designs rustic reclaimed Indian teak and Chinese elm furniture. These handcrafted pieces provide practical, timeless storage solutions that sit effortlessly within contemporary interiors.
“We personally select each piece on our buying trips to India and China."
When Richard and his best friend set off from Dorset on an overland journey to India, it made the local press. Travelling on an old AJS 350 single ex-army motorcycle with a sidecar, they truly were pioneers of their time.
From Turkey onwards, they rode on mostly unmade roads, travelling light with minimal luggage, spare fuel, water, and, of course, maps. Along the way, they enjoyed incredible sights and met many fellow travellers who offered advice and encouragement. Eventually, they continued into the Himalayas and on to Nepal, arriving in just three months - faster than expected.
The faithful motorbike was sold in Kathmandu, and from there they flew to Australia to earn money for the next leg of their journey around the world.
It was during this time that Richard met Marion - aboard a ship sailing from Sydney to Southampton via the Panama Canal. After a week of parties, Richard disembarked in Panama to continue his adventures. Three months later, the two were reunited in London.
Both had decided to return to sunny Sydney to save for more travelling adventures, but soon the lure of the road called again. They travelled to New Guinea, then across northern Australia to Darwin, and eventually on to beautiful Bali.
This marked the beginning of their nine-month journey back to England through Southeast Asia, India, and Nepal. Stopping once again in Kathmandu, they organised themselves for some wonderful trekking before purchasing a VW camper van for their overland return. However, political changes since Richard’s previous trip made travel through Afghanistan and Iran far more challenging. After only four weeks, they found themselves back in a cold and bleak February England.
Since those early days, there have been many more adventures - including a two-and-a-half-year stay in India and Nepal, where they finally decided to bite the bullet and start a business.
OUR BRAND ETHOS
three cardinal buying rules that we've always followed as a family
The condition must be as original as possible.
Whatever we buy must be beautiful.
We would happily live with it in our own homes.
Authenticity & Integrity
Every piece is original, genuine, and full of history.
Curated with Passion
For over 40 years, Indigo has personally sourced antiques from India, China, Tibet, Mongolia, and Japan. Each piece is handpicked for its beauty, character, and craftsmanship - never bought to follow trends, but chosen because it inspires genuine love and appreciation.
Family Roots & Legacy
Founded by Richard and Marion Lightbown in the 1970s and now run by their son Tom, Indigo remains a family-run business built on curiosity, adventure, and deep respect for Asian art and culture. Their passion for discovery and design continues to shape everything they do.
Quality & Craftsmanship
All restoration is done in-house by skilled craftspeople who work sympathetically with each antique, ensuring authenticity and longevity while preserving its soul.
Sustainability Through Longevity
By celebrating and rehoming antique and reclaimed furniture, Indigo champions timeless design, sustainable living, and the value of enduring materials.
Beauty, Culture & Storytelling
Indigo doesn’t just sell antiques - they share the cultural journeys behind them. Each piece carries the marks of its maker, the patina of time, and a connection between past and present interiors.
Only one hour from London Paddington, come a visit our 13,000 sq foot showrooms and barns.
VISIT US
Get in touch with us today to set up a trade account.