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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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 …

Mackinnon’s Summer Lamps Catalogue Now Published

We launched our summer lamps catalogue this week, and are delighted to share it with you. Have a look at the catalogue on our website here. These lamps are the perfect complement to any interior: with a mix of both antique and modern examples, the following collection reflects timeless designs and styles.  Each of the …

The Age of Walnut Exhibition Spotlight: A George I Burr Walnut Bureau Cabinet

A George I Burr Walnut Bureau Cabinet attributed to the Master of the Royal Portuguese CabinetsMackinnon Fine Furniture Today we are sharing another spotlight from our summer exhibition, The Age of Walnut. This superb George I burr walnut bureau cabinet is attributed to the Master of the Portuguese Royal Cabinets. The cabinet is veneered in …

Mackinnon in the Press: Antique Collecting Highlights ‘Paper Chased’

We are delighted that Antique Collecting has highlighted our incredibly rare pair of George III paper scrolled tables in their article 'Paper Chased.' A Pair of George III Scroll Paper Tables Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection We first looked at this magnificent pair of tables and the history of the technique in our previous post here. …

Mackinnon in the Press: Antique Collecting Highlights Age of Walnut Exhibition

We are delighted to share an article from the latest issue of Antique Collecting magazine that highlights our forthcoming Age of Walnut exhibition. The article offers an in depth look at the history of walnut furniture in England in the late 17th and early 18th centuries when it was at its most popular. The article highlights several pieces that …

A Moment in Local Espionage History: MI6 & Ryder Street

The aim of this blog is to highlight antique furniture and historic interiors... but we couldn't resist sharing this fascinating bit of history from our very own Ryder Street, where we have had a gallery since 2009. In 1943, MI6 established Section V's headquarters at 14 Ryder Street.  Section V was the central foreign counter-espionage …

Mackinnon in the Press: Antique Collecting Highlights ‘Mirrors’

We are delighted to share details of the latest issue of Antique Collecting magazine, which highlights our latest publication featuring mirrors from our collection.  The article, entitled 'In the Frame,' looks at the history of mirrors and their stylistic development in England from the 17th century through the 18th century, focusing on highlights from the publication. …

Friday Finds: A Look Back at the Archives

We are delighted to present a new series, Friday Finds, where we will delve into the library and look at publications on art & antiques that are relevant to pieces in our current collection.  Today, we are focusing on the pair of George III giltwood armchairs attributed to John Cobb.  We looked at these chairs …

Mackinnon Fine Furniture 2018 Annual Catalogue Now Published

We are delighted to announce that our third annual print catalogue is now published.  The pieces featured in this catalogue have all been chosen for their individual attributes that make English antique furniture so inherently interesting and appealing-in particular, we have concentrated on provenance and attribution, as well as fantastic decoration, design, colour, and patina.  …