Auraria Antiques

Auraria Antiques was founded in 2009 by partners Graham Tester and Gregory Bickford, whose aim was to import and retail the finest antiques and collectibles available. Their business and reputation throughout Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills has grown over these years, so much so that they recently decided to move to a larger, more appropriate premises in Strathalbyn, South Australia.

Gregory has a long-held love of Georgian furniture and Russian and French porcelain. He has 40 years of experience with antiques in both Melbourne and Adelaide, and frequently visits the United Kingdom seeking high quality items to replenish stock.

Auraria Antiques offer the finest antiques and collectibles at competitive prices. Regular imports ensure a continuing, high level of quality stock.

Why Auraria?

In 1895 the American writer Mark Twain visited Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne and saw a filly named Auraria win the Melbourne Cup. Auraria was owned by Gregory's great grandfather. She is one of only three fillies to win the Cup. During her career she won 10 of her 24 starts. The Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival that year also saw her win the Oaks Stakes and the C.B. Fisher Plate. A fine performance from a truly great racehorse.

The pictures of the horse, Auraria, displayed throughout this webpage are taken from her portrait, commissioned soon after she won the Cup. The business name preserves both Gregory's family heritage and the name of a great racehorse.