Thirlestaine House in Cheltenham once housed one of the greatest picture collections in the nineteenth century. It was originally built by an amateur architect named J.R. Scott in 1820. British Listed Buildings describes the house as follows: 'Thirlestaine House represents the apogee of the Cheltenham villa and is the only surviving example of the grand villa … Continue reading Thirlestaine House: A History Full of Art
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 … Continue reading The ABCs of Decorative Arts: Patera
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 … Continue reading Blair Castle: A Scottish Masterpiece
Scarlet Fever: A Love of Red Japanning
A Queen Anne Scarlet Japanned Bachelors Chest Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection This magnificent Queen Anne scarlet japanned bachelors chest is decorated with beautiful scarlet japanning. A Queen Anne Scarlet Japanned Bachelors Chest Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection The quality of the japanning throughout the chest is exceptional, but opening the door allows you to see the … Continue reading Scarlet Fever: A Love of Red Japanning
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 … Continue reading Mackinnon’s Summer Lamps Catalogue Now Published
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 … Continue reading William Gomm: A Master of 18th Century Furniture
Mackinnon’s Biggest Fan: Burt the Saluki
We are finishing off the week with an introduction to the gallery's biggest fan (we are also quite fond of him!). Burt the Saluki can often be found at the gallery having a look at the collection and admiring antiques. Here is a shot of him yesterday giving his seal of approval on our wonderful … Continue reading Mackinnon’s Biggest Fan: Burt the Saluki
