When assessing the suitability of pieces of antique furniture for their collections, it is very common to hear connoisseurs and collectors talking about the colour and patination of pieces they are considering and, in thispost, we hope to be able to explain these concepts in a little more detail. Firstly, it is important to differentiate … Continue reading The Allure of Colour and Patina
Chippendale and his Director
First issued in 1754, Thomas Chippendale's The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director was both the first and most influential English furniture design book of the 18th century. Although it is impossible to ascertain how many of the designs contained within the Director were in fact created by Chippendale himself and how many were re-workings of pre-existing … Continue reading Chippendale and his Director
Chinese Export Furniture & Works of Art
Broadly speaking, Chinese export furniture can be divided into two distinct categories. Those pieces made to conform to a Westernised concept of the Chinese style and those made after Western prototypes-often only distinguishable from their European equivalents because of differences in construction and the use of peculiarly Chinese timbers. The English fascination with the orient … Continue reading Chinese Export Furniture & Works of Art
A Matter of Provenance
An extraordinary and highly important pair of William III - Queen Anne side chairs have recently arrived in the gallery. Dating to the turn of the century, circa 1700, and attributed to Philip Guibert, these magnificent chairs boast a very full provenance: it is fascinating to trace their history. The provenance reads: Almost certainly originally … Continue reading A Matter of Provenance
A Trick of the Eye
Tromple-l'oeil or 'Deceive the Eye' is an artistic technique that uses realistic imagery to create the optical illusion that the depicted objects exist in three dimensions. Painters throughout the ages have used this technique to trick their viewers. In architecture, the comparable illusion is known as forced perspective. However, it was not only artists and … Continue reading A Trick of the Eye
Shades of Autumn
As summer turns to autumn and the leaves begin to change colour and fall, one of our most recent arrivals in the gallery seems particularly appropriate. We are delighted to be able to offer this outstanding George I walnut and needlepoint settee. Not only a superb example of early Georgian walnut furniture, this settee also … Continue reading Shades of Autumn
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn
It is the last day of August, and it feels like an appropriate time to say 'goodbye' to summer. This image of the top of our rare George I gilt gesso card table features a magnificent flower head surrounded by acanthus leaves and other flowering foliage - the epitome of summer! This summer we have … Continue reading Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn
