The business was founded by Charles Vivian (Charlie) Jones in 1952, and it's first premises were in the Mining Exchange in Lydiard Street North Ballarat.
Initially dealing in second-hand goods, from old carpets, fridges, lino, laminex to tables and chairs Charlie Jones soon built up the knowledge to become a became a respected dealer in antiques and art, with a strong following in Ballarat and the Western District.
Visitors to the shop would be greeted with country hospitality and offered a cup of tea, a biscuit and chat in the office.
The business moved to the current premises at 14 Armstrong Street North Ballarat in 1956 and Charlie's son Ross, joined the business in 1971 after spending three years learning the trade with Archie Meares at the Connoisseurs Store in Toorak Road, South Yarra.
The business was a strong supporter of the local trade and Charlie and Ross would take it in turns make a weekly trip to Melbourne to purchase from other dealers or auctions, particularly Leonard Joel.
In the boom years of the 1970s Charlie did make at least one buying trip to the UK where he was pleased to report that he was able to buy from a dealer with the same surname in Westbourne Grove, but generally he preferred to purchase locally.
Charlie passed away in 2001, and after that the business was continued by Ross and Ross's son Craig who had joined the business the previous year.
The centrally located shop has been leased by the Jones family, and the tenant plans to operate it as an antiques and collectables market.