The General Trading Company was established by Charles K. Part and David Part in 1920. The business was innovative in mixing the sale of contemporary designed objects with traditional antiques. In the 1960s the directors were Charles and David Part, together with Angus Menzies and D.H. Stacey. By the 1960s GTC were 'By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen, suppliers of fancy goods'.
The firm exhibited at the Grosvenor House Antiques Fair and were members of BADA.