About us - Helios Gallery is a partnership owned by Rolf von Kiaer and Samantha Neal
Helios Gallery specialises in the ethical sourcing of provenanced Egyptian, Classical and Mediterranean antiquities and adhere to responsible trading policies which protect the global archaeological heritage.
Our website is updated weekly, please click New Items to view our recent acquisitions or click on the catalogue pages to browse over 500 unique antiquities for sale.
We started trading in antiquities in 1989 but it was not until 1994 that we opened a shop at 292 Westbourne Grove in London's Notting Hill. At the time the area was vibrant, arty and bohemian but it was only a couple of miles from the established antiques galleries of Mayfair and St. James' and seemed an eternity from their somewhat stuffy traditions.
During eleven years in Westbourne Grove we built a reputation for honest, no-nonsense dealing in a relaxed atmosphere where novices, collectors, artists and academics could meet over a cup of coffee. The shop received acclaim from a wide range of publications including The Financial Times and World of Interiors but our finest achievement must be that many of our first clients still buy from us today.
The 1990's also saw the opening of a smaller outlet in the World Heritage Site city of Bath and the launch of our first website. By 2005 Helios Gallery had been established on the internet for nine years and we decided it was time to become a totally web-based dealership.
This transition freed us from the financial and time constraints of shop-keeping and allowed us to return to our founding interests: the thrill of acquiring and researching new stock, and bringing the items to a clientele from all walks of life who share our interests.
It was during archaeology studies in London that Rolf and Sam met. Sam's redundancy from a job a year later led them to think of starting a small business and so Helios Gallery was born. The business started on a cold dark April morning with a folding table in London's Portobello Road antiques market.
Rolf's interest in archaeology was stirred at the age of just six when he swapped his pocket money for ancient coins with an antiques dealer on the King's Road in London. When his diplomat parents moved to Baghdad in the late 1970's the vibrant history and culture of the Middle East awakened an overwhelming interest in the region. By the age of eighteen Rolf had learnt to read Arabic and left school with the top prize in Classics and a place to study Mesopotamian archaeology at The Institute of Archaeology, London.
Sam's fascination with archaeology and anthropology derives from a childhood spent in Africa and South East Asia and years travelling for work and pleasure.
Her main interest is in Pre-Classical Mediterranean pottery which she seeks to understand by conventional research as well as more hands-on methods such as recreating ancient techniques in contemporary pottery-making.
Sam built and runs the Helios Gallery website, she is also the resident internet and graphic designer, photographer and administrator.
Thank you Rolf for another stunning item. I am a repeat customer. Helios Gallery is one of the most outstanding dealership enterprises online. Rolf always provides excellent service and is an expert in his field. Response from Helios Gallery Thank you, Brian, the mask is amazing, so glad you like it, Sam & Rolf 🙂
Egyptian Funerary Mask
12th August 2024
Only the quality of your offerings surpasses your incredible knowledge. Thank you for providing the opportunity to be the next custodian of such an extraordinary artefact.
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you so much Brad, delighted you love the little vase, Sam & Rolf 🙂
I bought a really lovely figurine and I am delighted! I spoke to Rolph and he is a very nice chap, and the figurine arrived two days later. I have bought from Helios Gallery before, after reading glowing reports about them, and have always loved my purchases. Thank you so much.
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you, Robin, Glad you like the little Osiris figure and thank you for taking the time to leave a kind comment about us, Sam & Rolf 🙂
The sandals have just arrived thank you. Unfortunately they don’t fit me so I have put them in my display cabinet where they look amazing along with the rest of my antiquities. Once again thank you and happy Christmas to you both.
Response from Helios Gallery
Love this! so glad they don’t fit 🙂 and delighted you love them, many thanks for your comment, Sam & Rolf
I have just purchased my ninth item from Helios and will continue to make this company my first choice when I want to buy an antiquity. I always feel confident that whatever I decide to buy is authentic and fairly priced, and the service provided to customers is excellent. Thank you Rolf and Sam
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you, Andrew, for your great comment. and we are really pleased you love your growing collection, Rolf & Sam
This was my first time purchasing from this vendor and I couldn’t be happier. Once I placed my order, they personally emailed me thanking me and ensured it would be shipped out the next day. One week later, across the Atlantic – I received my piece. It was securely packed and handled with care. I look forward to supporting this vendor in the future!
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you, Jean-Paul, so glad everything went smoothly and you’re happy with us and your lekythos, Sam & Rolf 🙂
This is my second purchase from Helios. Very happy with the pitcher- just as described in the website. A nice example of italo-geometric pottery. Well packaged as was the previous item. Fast dispatch. Altogether, very satisfied with this purchase. I am sure to return to this seller. Thank you.
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you, Mike, for you lovely comment, we love to hear that you like the Oinochoe, it is a lovely piece, Many thanks Sam & Rolf: )
It’s already the second purchase I’ve made from Helios Gallery and for the second time I am satisfied. Rolf is kind and available to resolve any doubts quickly and professionally. I highly recommend helios gallery to everyone who loves history and antiquities!
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you so much for you comment, and glad you like the Terracotta, Sam & Rolf
Item as described. Carefully packaged and promptly delivered. A happy purchaser! Will continue to visit this dealer.
Response from Helios Gallery
So glad you like the lamp, thank you for the kind comment, Sam and Rolf 🙂
EMPRESA 100% RECOMANABLE PER LA PROFESSINALITAT I PEL BON TRACTE. ELS HE COMPRAT VARIES PECES I SEMPRE AMB LA CONFIANÇA DE QUE ESTIC ACOMPANYADA DE GRAN PROFESSIONALS
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you Nuria, for your kind review, Sam & Rolf 🙂
Really happy with my beautiful artefact. Love this business- always friendly and personable. Great swift service too
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you so much Johnny, so pleased you like the lovely chap, Sam and Rolf 🙂
Thank you very much for my ancient Greek redfigure shard – communication was excellent and the delivery was very fast!
I am very happy to adding the first ancient piece to my collection!!!
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you, Grace, so glad you are happy with your first antiquity.
These people have become my go-to place for reasonably priced antiquities with excellent provenance. I know I can count on them to be ethical and responsible in our dealings, and my purchases always arrive on time or even early at times.
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you, Richard, for your kind review, so glad you are pleased with us, we try to have an interesting group of Antiquities for sale. Sam & Rolf
I’m delighted with my purchase, it has exceeded my expectations! The axe head is exactly as described, and was delivered in very safe and secure packaging. Rolf was very courteous and helpful with his communication, which is greatly appreciated. Overall, I am very happy, and I highly recommended Helios Gallery!
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you Jeremy, really pleased you like the axe head and many thanks for your kind comment, Sam & Rolf
I made my first purchase from Helios 17 years ago and since then I regurlarly buy Greek items with the same pleasure and full confidence. Once again this Minoan bowl is an excellent item ! I also want to warmly thank Rolf for his great support for administrative questions !
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you, JP, for another kind comment, we value you as one of our longest established collectors, many thanks Sam and Rolf
I bought two exceptionel wonderful greek terracottas.
Fantastic items and fantastic service by the Helios Gallery.
Highly recommended!
Response from Helios Gallery
Fab comment Stefan, so glad you love the terracotta’s and thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Sam & Rolf:)
