La Cigale was established in 1997 but long before then its founders Elizabeth and Mike Lind had developed an interest in French Antiques and Brocante.

La Cigale was established in 1997 but long before then its founders Elizabeth and Mike Lind had developed an interest in French Antiques and Brocante. Brocante literally translated means 'Junk'!!! However , in practice the term is accepted as describing a wide range of furniture and objects dating from the mid 19th century up until today and ranging in price from a few centimes to thousands of Euros.

It is interesting to note that a survey conducted last year by the French Ministry of Culture found that the most popular leisure activity in France was hunting for Brocante, prompting the Minister for Culture to assert that while the English are a nation of Shopkeepers the French are a nation of Brocanteurs !!!

Elizabeth and Mike travel to France several times each year to participate in the national pastime.

Unlike the average French collector tucking the odd piece under his arm or tying it to the roof of an aging Renault they have to fill a container to make the journey worth while. They ship 3-4containers to New Zealand each year.

Most of the pieces they import require a degree of cleaning and restoration.  Mike and his brother Derek undertake most of this work. Derek, an artist by profession is an expert in paint finishes and can paint and finish pieces to customers requirements...

Most pieces date from the mid to late 19th century and there is a strong emphasis on furniture and objects related to France’s other major pastimes, namely food and wine; old bistro tables and chairs, grape harvesting containers , cave a vin (bottle storing cages)wine bottle carriers, wine presses and so on. Most shipments include some pieces from the 18th and 20th centuries and some stone pieces are from the mid 17th century. Antique cutlery and mid 20th century costume jewelry are also much sought after.

La Cigale’s customers include many of New Zealand’s best interior designers. When carefully chosen and placed French antiques and brocante can work beautifully in both contemporary and traditional settings.
Digital photos are taken of each item at the time of purchase so shipments can be viewed prior to and after arrival by visiting our shop and warehouse in Parnell or on request via the internet.