Chinese Export Furniture & Works of Art

Broadly speaking, Chinese export furniture can be divided into two distinct categories. Those pieces made to conform to a Westernised concept of the Chinese style and those made after Western prototypes-often only distinguishable from their European equivalents because of differences in construction and the use of peculiarly Chinese timbers. The English fascination with the orient …

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A Matter of Provenance

An extraordinary and highly important pair of William III - Queen Anne side chairs have recently arrived in the gallery. Dating to the turn of the century, circa 1700, and attributed to Philip Guibert, these magnificent chairs boast a very full provenance: it is fascinating to trace their history. The provenance reads: Almost certainly originally …

A Trick of the Eye

Tromple-l'oeil or 'Deceive the Eye' is an artistic technique that uses realistic imagery to create the optical illusion that the depicted objects exist in three dimensions. Painters throughout the ages have used this technique to trick their viewers. In architecture, the comparable illusion is known as forced perspective. However, it was not only artists and …

Shades of Autumn

As summer turns to autumn and the leaves begin to change colour and fall, one of our most recent arrivals in the gallery seems particularly appropriate. We are delighted to be able to offer this outstanding George I walnut and needlepoint settee. Not only a superb example of early Georgian walnut furniture, this settee also …

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 …

Elegant, Refined, and Subtle: The Ring Ouzel

A taxidermy case of a Ring Ouzel by J. Cullingford of DurhamMackinnon Fine Furniture Collection This very fine taxidermy case of a Ring Ouzel (Turdus Torquatus) is by J. Cullingford of Durham. The Cullingford firm was active in the late 19th century.   It was run by Joseph Cullingford, who became Curator of the University Museum, …

Seating in Silhouettte: Chairs in Profile

A George II walnut side chair attributed to Giles Grendey shown in profile Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection Back by popular demand... we are looking at chairs from a different angle today. A George II walnut Gainsborough chair attributed to Giles Grendey Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection You would always expect to see a chair front on, or perhaps at a …

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 …

Chic Chinoiserie: Lacquer Panels Transformed into Tables

A Chinese 18th century black lacquer low table Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection Today we are sharing some of our recent acquisitions that all feature magnificent chinoiserie designs. Each of the tables includes an antique lacquer panel decorated in gilt highlights on a black ground that has been mounted as a table. Shown above is an …