OUR HISTORY

In 1973, Quintessence Nigeria Ltd. was founded by Gabriel Olusegun Oni-Okpaku and Aino Ternstedt Oni-Okpaku. Initially, our business focused on state-of-the-art High-Fidelity – (HiFi) audio/visual equipment and high-end furniture. However, in the late 1970s, our vision shifted as we recognized the immense talent of local artists and artisans. Thus, we transformed into a cultural platform dedicated to showcasing their creativity and promoting local content.

Throughout the years, Quintessence has earned a global reputation as the foremost premium department store for authentic African arts and crafts. Our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship is reflected in our carefully curated collection, which is a result of extensive experience, fieldwork, and research. Our inventory includes an array of crafts, paintings, sculptures, artifacts, antiques, furniture, home décor, fashion, accessories, and textiles, including exquisite woven fabrics like vintage Aso-Oke and Okene cloth sourced from various regions within Nigeria and other African countries.

A significant milestone in our journey was in 1979 when Quintessence organized the first of several exhibitions featuring the works of Nigeria's esteemed artist and sculptor, Benedict (Ben) Enwonwu, MBE. This marked the beginning of a longstanding relationship with the artist that endured for many years.

In 1982, we took immense pride, yet with humility, in becoming the first private company to host an exhibition of Nigerian arts and crafts within Nigeria itself. Our dedication to promoting Nigerian talent did not stop there; we extended our reach through international exhibitions held in countries like Sweden, Norway, Denmark, England, Germany, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, France, Portugal, and even at the UNESCO building in Paris, France.

At Quintessence, we are passionate about nurturing local creativity. Our artist-in-residence program has benefitted more than 20 local artists, providing them with valuable opportunities for growth and exposure. Notable names in the art world, such as Nike Ogundayo of Nike Arts Gallery, were mentored by our founder, the late Aino Oni-Okpaku. We have also played a supervisory role in elevating the standards of Nigerian artisans, enabling them to meet international benchmarks.

Our presence has not only thrived but expanded. Currently located at Parkview, Ikoyi, after our relocation from the old Falomo Shopping complex in Ikoyi, Lagos, Quintessence remains unwavering in our commitment to supporting artists and advocating for the socioeconomic development of the art sector in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.