Our Story

As one of the UK’s leading providers of shipping to the fine art and antiques industry, we’ve quickly built a global network of industry professionals and technicians who have expertise in fine art and antique installations and transportation.

Our technicians are among the best in the industry. They’re highly knowledgeable, with expertise in fine art handling. And they always use the most advanced techniques to care for our client’s investments, whether they’re one-off pieces or entire collections.

We also work with leading interior designers, taking care of all their logistical needs, from small one offs to entire projects. We have the resources and expertise to handle thecollections, consolidation, storage, shipping and delivery to site.

Malcolm Disson – Founder

Malcolm has over 25 years of experience in the fine art shipping industry, starting out as a sales executive working for major fine art and antique shipping companies. He’d found his niche – he loved meeting new people, building solid relationships and providing excellent service to his clients. He still does.

In 2004, an opportunity presented itself for Malcolm to buy a business and become his own boss. He only needed a partner, and Simon was the perfect fit. They both invested all they had and together they created The British Shop.

Malcolm has been in his element ever since. He still personally looks after his clients, while also always driving the business forward. He’s continually coming up with innovative ideas and strategies to ensure that we remain market leaders, thanks to our skills in specialist packing and shipping.

Simon Williams - Founder

Simon has a degree in Fine Art Valuation and started his professional life in 1998 at an auction house as a Gallery Assistant. Since then, he’s worked in export coordination and management for some major shipping companies – always in the fine art and antiques world – and he’s still loving every minute of it.

He first met Malcolm very early in his career. In those early days, Simon was out driving the trucks, packing the pieces and delivering himself. Then, when they saw the opportunity to join forces and create their own specialist packing and international shipping company together, they both jumped at the chance.

It has all come a long way from there, but Simon still loves to drive the trucks once in a while.

Tim Glaesemann - President of The British Shop Inc.

Tim has over 30 years of experience in museum, gallery and fine art services. He began his career at The Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Institute of Arts as a museum preparator, where he developed his fondness for rigging large objects. In 1988 Tim relocated to New York City to crew chief exhibition installations at the IBM Gallery of Arts & Science. Next, Tim launched a collections care program for the Port Authority of NY & NJ’s vast art collection. In 2016, Tim joined The British Shop to launch our US operations. He still enjoys pitching in on big projects, especially if it involves moving large objects.