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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

The Age of Walnut: A History (cont.)

A George I Burr Walnut Bureau from the collection of Duke of Chandos for Shaw House, Berkshire Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection Earlier in the week we shared a bit of history about the walnut tree for our Age of Walnut exhibition. We continue this history today looking at the emergence of walnut furniture in England …

The Age of Walnut Exhibition Spotlight: A Scarlet Japanned Bachelors Chest

A Queen Anne Scarlet Japanned Bachelors Chest Mackinnon Fine Furniture We are delighted to open our summer exhibition, The Age of Walnut, by highlighting a masterpiece in the exhibition that features on the cover of our catalogue - a rare and highly important Queen Anne scarlet japanned bachelors chest. A Queen Anne Scarlet Japanned Bachelors …

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. …

Friday Finds: A Look Back at the Archives

Detail from the George I scarlet japanned mule chest, Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection We are continuing our tradition of Friday Finds with a look back at the archives - today, we are exploring the history of the George I scarlet japanned mule chest in our collection. Antique furniture is not only defined by its age--it is also reflective of …

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 …