About Our History

Urban Hartman founded the antique empire four generations ago amid the backdrop of rapidly industrializing New York City. During the 1940s thru the 1960s the family grew along with the business - formally known as Hartman Trading Corp.. In the 1960’s the Hartmans purchased French & Co. and relocated to this established location next door to Parke-Bernet auction gallery. With this expanded inventory and location it’s presence allowed an expanded International clientele to see seven floors of the finest examples of Art, Antiques, Objects d’Art and Jewelry.

The strength was that quality came first - a legacy that has continued to the present day. Dealers and collectors throughout the world have been enticed by the extensive collections and the first - rate quality they contained. Eventually, galleries were located not only in New York, but also Beverly Hills, California, Dallas, Texas, and Palm Beach, Florida. All the family members involved in the business have traveled extensively throughout the world, and extensively in Asia.

We have consistently concentrated our core acquisitions on “Quality First” thus providing the world with the finest examples available for acquisition.

Don Hartman, the last of the vaunted family to be active in the business, operates on a private basis in Florida and can be reached via email at donh@hartmangalleries.com