We focus on historic interiors, furniture, and architecture on this blog, but why take our word for it? Today, we are looking at several quotes from people more famous than us about design and antiques. We have shared these quotes alongside a selection of paintings of interiors from the Getty collection. We will start off … Continue reading The Source on the Source: Famous Quotes on Interior Design
Our next Designer Spotlight feature is a designer right here on our doorstep in London (and Norfolk!). Carlos Garcia of Carlos Garcia Interiors was born in Spain, and he has been a longtime admirer of English antiques and country house interiors. He opened his eponymous interior design firm in 2014 and has created a portfolio … Continue reading Designer Spotlight: Carlos Garcia Interiors
English antique furniture from the 18th century, unlike its French counterpart, is rarely signed, stamped, or otherwise inscribed with the cabinetmaker's name. There are, of course, exceptions to the rule. The impressive suite of red japanned furniture made for Lazcano Palace by Giles Grendey features Grendey's trade label on several pieces of the suite (we … Continue reading Take a Closer Look: A Set of Chairs with a Curious Stamp
A while ago we wrote about the history of St. James's and Ryder Street, where our gallery is located. You can read about the history here. Today we thought we would revisit the subject and focus on a particular historical figure who has a connection to Ryder Street: Jonathan Swift. Swift was an Anglo-Irish author … Continue reading A Moment in Local Literary History: St. James’s Revisited
Archibald Thorburn (1860-1935) was one of the most celebrated painters of birdlife of all time. Scottish by birth, Thorbun was the fifth son of the miniaturist Robert Thorburn ARA. Thorburn was artistic from a young age and likely developed his skill at capturing minute details from his father. He began painting birds, animals, and flowers, … Continue reading Nature at its Best: The Wildlife Art of Archibald Thorburn
Lions are the undisputed kings of the jungle. But where do they fit into English history? As early as King John's reign in England around 1210, lions were said to be kept at the Tower of London menagerie. Medieval English warriors who had a reputation for bravery were often nicknamed 'the Lion': Richard I of … Continue reading Hear Me Roar: Lions in Regency England
We continue our alphabetical tour of the decorative arts with the kneehole desk today. This particular style of desk first appeared in England in the early 18th century. The kneehole desk is defined by its 'kneehole' in the centre allowing the desk's user to comfortably sit with his or her legs underneath the writing surface. … Continue reading The ABCs of the Decorative Arts: Kneehole Desks
