Today we are sharing a piece that has recently arrived in the gallery. This magnificent William & Mary walnut chest on stand features a lid inlaid with an oval pattern top with chevron stringing with quartering. The lid opens to reveal a lined compartment, and below is a single long drawer. The chest stands on … Continue reading A Piece of the Past: William & Mary Lace Chest
We are delighted to share a rare and remarkable pair of George III scroll paper tables - these tables are part of a very small group of furniture that features this decorative technique called scroll paper decoration, also known as quilling or paper filigree. We will look at the history of this technique and its … Continue reading Sensational Scrolled Paper: A Refined Art
A few weeks ago we started a new series called Friday Finds where we take a look back at the archives to learn more about the pieces in our collection. It is a great way to put a piece in context by showing how it has been represented historically in other print sources. Today we … Continue reading Friday Finds: A Look Back at the Archives
We are no stranger to the designs and furniture of Thomas Chippendale (see here, here, and here for proof... or here, here, and here!). This very fine 19th century mahogany double serpentine sofa is designed in the manner of Thomas Chippendale. The sofa features upholstered back, seat, and sides. The mahogany show-frame is finely carved … Continue reading Superbly Serpentine: A Sofa Designed in the Manner of Thomas Chippendale
We are continuing our Friday tradition where we take a close look at the feet on pieces of furniture in our collection to explore the different styles and motifs that were popular throughout the 18th century. Today we are focusing on the spade foot: this form derives inspiration from its name, the spade, and is … Continue reading The Feet on Furniture: Spade Feet
Dogs of Foo are guardian animals that originated in China and can be traced back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-211 CE). These lion-like creatures were often placed at the entrances of palaces, temples, and homes to guard and protect. Foo dogs are almost always shown in pairs, with one male and one female, to … Continue reading Ancient History: The Origin of Dogs of Foo
Our next Designer Spotlight, Sims Hilditch, is led by founder and Creative Director Emma Sims Hilditch who has been making her mark on English interiors for over a decade. Emma's artistic roots run in the family, as she is the great granddaughter of a Royal Academician painter and the daughter of an interior decorator. Emma's … Continue reading Designer Spotlight: Sims Hilditch
