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 …

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Elegant, Refined, and Subtle: The Ring Ouzel

A taxidermy case of a Ring Ouzel by J. Cullingford of DurhamMackinnon Fine Furniture Collection This very fine taxidermy case of a Ring Ouzel (Turdus Torquatus) is by J. Cullingford of Durham. The Cullingford firm was active in the late 19th century.   It was run by Joseph Cullingford, who became Curator of the University Museum, …

Seating in Silhouettte: Chairs in Profile

A George II walnut side chair attributed to Giles Grendey shown in profile Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection Back by popular demand... we are looking at chairs from a different angle today. A George II walnut Gainsborough chair attributed to Giles Grendey Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection You would always expect to see a chair front on, or perhaps at a …

When Cabinet-Makers Unite: A Love Story

We may not know a great deal about the day to day lives of 18th century cabinet-makers, but there is one (romantic!) story that deserves attention. The renowned cabinet-maker Giles Grendey (who we have discussed here and here), had seven children: Mary, Elizabeth, Mary (another one), another daughter, Sukey, and Sam. Sukey went on to …

Sensational Scrolled Paper: A Refined Art

A Pair of George III Scroll Paper Tables Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection We continue the ABCs of decorative arts today with a letter that could have been quite tricky - 'Q' - but we are pleased to have the perfect answer: quilling! Quilling has had a variety of names over the years: paper filigree, paper …

The ABCs of Decorative Arts: Patera

Top of a George III tulipwood and sycamore marquetry commode with inlaid oval fan patera decoration Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection We continue our journey through the ABCs of the decorative arts today with a term that often appears in our description of antiques: patera. Patera is an architectural term for a circular or oval ornament …

William Gomm: A Master of 18th Century Furniture

Detail of the top of a George III serpentine secretaire dressing chest attributed to William GommMackinnon Fine Furniture Collection There are several 'superstars' of Georgian furniture, including artisans like Thomas Chippendale, Thomas Sheraton, and Giles Grendey.  But there are other lesser known makers that have only recently been brought to light.  William Gomm is one such …

Prized Porcelain: James Giles and Worcester Porcelain

A Worcester Teacup and Saucer by the atelier of James Giles from the Saltram Service Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection James Giles (1718-1780) was an outstanding English porcelain and glass painter who worked for all of the major porcelain manufacturers, including Worcester, Derby, Bow, and Chelsea.  Giles’ father, also James Giles, was a ‘China Painter’ by …

Friday Finds: A Look Back at the Archives

A Pair of George III Marquetry Card Tables attributed to John Cobb from Stowe, Buckinghamshire Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection We are continuing our series 'Friday Finds' looking at some archival material related to the exceptional pair of Stowe card tables in our collection. This very fine pair of George III kingwood and brass-inlaid card tables …

The Age of Walnut Exhibition Spotlight: A Pair of George II Green Japanned Bureau Bookcases

A Pair of George II Green Japanned Bureau Bookcases attributed to Giles Grendey Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection Our Age of Walnut exhibition continues in the gallery this week, and today we are highlighting a magnificent piece from the exhibition. We are always on the search for the rare, the unique, and the magnificent.  We are delighted …