Rehs Galleries is a renowned brand with a rich history dating back to the late 1930s. It all started when M. Edwin Schillay, a young accountant, decided to venture into the art and antiques trade at the suggestion of an antique dealer client.

He began purchasing paintings in bulk from London and shipping them to New York, where he sold them to department stores that had dedicated art galleries. As the years passed, Schillay expanded his network of contacts and inventory to include artwork from various European countries. His wife, Ruth, played an active role in the business, establishing the early roots of the art gallery as an independent enterprise.

Schillay's inventory primarily focused on nineteenth-century British artists, introducing many customers to fine art for the first time through department store exhibitions. Joseph B. Rehs, Schillay's son-in-law, joined the business in the 1960s and further expanded its potential.

With a specialization in nineteenth-century British painting, he traveled to Europe, establishing an international network and gaining valuable insights into the art market. After Schillay's passing, the firm became known as Schillay & Rehs, Inc. Over the years, Schillay & Rehs emerged as one of the largest importers of eighteenth and nineteenth-century European paintings.

They served an extensive client list, including art galleries and department stores across the US. In 1978, the gallery transitioned into the decorative arts trade, selling to interior designers, and moved to a more spacious location. With a deep understanding of the art market and a specialization in overlooked nineteenth-century art, Schillay & Rehs has gained a strong reputation in the art world.

Their expertise and extensive inventory continue to attract art enthusiasts and collectors alike