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 … Continue reading Reflections on Mirrors: Origins in England
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. … Continue reading Mackinnon in the Press: Antique Collecting Highlights ‘Mirrors’
Today's journey through the ABCs of decorative arts brings us to a close look at ormolu. Ormolu, from the French or moulu, signifying ground gold, refers to a technique of gilding bronze mounts for furniture, clocks, candelabra and objects that was used throughout the eighteenth and into the nineteenth centuries. The process of gilding a … Continue reading The ABCs of Decorative Arts: Ormolu
When it comes to design, there is no pairing more iconic than blue and white. Today we are looking at the history of blue and white designs alongside examples of blue and white porcelain in our collection - click on the photographs to learn more about eaech piece. Blue and white decoration is synonymous with … Continue reading Brilliant Blue & Wonderful White: Chinese Porcelain
In the course of doing research on pieces in our collection, we came across this wonderful record of a letter that Edmund Verney wrote to his daughter Molly in 1689. Molly was at school at 'Great Chelsey' when she received the following encouragement from her father: I find you have a desire to learn to … Continue reading A Peek at the Past: Japanning as Craft
If you had a look at our Instagram today, you would have seen that we are starting a new Friday tradition taking a close look at the feet on pieces of furniture in our collection. We will explore the different styles and motifs that were popular throughout the 18th century on chairs, table, chests, and … Continue reading The Feet on Furniture: Animal Paw Feet
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. … Continue reading Take a Look Inside: A George III Chippendale Chest of Drawers
