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 …

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Blair Castle: A Scottish Masterpiece

If you have read our blog before, you are probably familiar with our banner image in the heading of the blog. The picture shows the magnificent Drawing Room at Blair Castle, the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. The ceiling is decorated with magnificent plasterwork, and the room features exceptional torcheres by …

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 …

France, Rome, and England: A Trio of Design Inspiration

We are delighted to share this superb quality George III Chippendale period carved mahogany open armchair that reflects English craftsmanship with inspiration from both Roman and French design sources.  The rectangular padded back, arms, and seat are upholstered in floral gros-point needlework, and the acanthus and shell-carved frame on foliate-cabriole legs terminate in scroll feet. …

Duties & Customs: Thomas Chippendale & His Wily Tricks

Paying duties and customs are part of any modern shipping process: but it certainly isn't anything new.  Back in the eighteenth century, customs and international trade agreements had a significant impact on the way art and furniture arrived in England.  For example, the Seven Years War greatly decreased trade between England and France, but it …

Superbly Serpentine: A Sofa Designed in the Manner of Thomas Chippendale

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 …

The Feet on Furniture: Spade Feet

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 …

Reflections on Mirrors: Origins in England

To celebrate the publication of our latest catalogue Mirrors (which you can read here), we will be sharing a few posts that look into the history of mirrors in England from the 17th century onward. Capturing ones reflection dates back to mythology: Narcissus, upon seeing his beautiful reflection in the waters, fell in love with himself and …

Take a Look Inside: A George III Chippendale Chest of Drawers

Whenever we share photographs of a piece of furniture in our collection, we almost always show either a front on view or an angled view to show more three dimensional detail.  But with furniture, it is just as important to take a closer look inside: especially when there are drawers, doors, or other interior compartments. …

It Runs in the Family: The Incredible Gillows Family of Cabinetmakers

Today we are shining a spotlight on one of the most successful cabinetmaking firms of the 18th and 19th century: Gillows of Lancaster & London.  (For information on other cabinetmakers, look here: Thomas Chippendale, William Gomm, and Pierre Langlois).  The Gillows family firm was established in Lancaster as early as the 1730s.  Throughout the eighteenth …