Today we are sharing a marvellous specimen chair: the quality of the carving is quite magnificent, and the mahogany is of the most wonderful colour. The distinctive carving of the anthemion, or honeysuckle, on the back splat is a hallmark of the neo-classical movement that was used by Robert Adam, James Wyatt, and other notable … Continue reading Classicism at its Finest: A George III Mahogany Armchair
Hugh William Williams (1773-1829) was a Scottish painter known for his depictions of landscapes. He began his artistic career training under David Allan and Alexander Nasmyth. He later befriended J. M. W. Turner, who was an important influence as well as an admirer of Williams' work He received the nickname 'Grecian Williams' after his extensive … Continue reading The Story Behind a Nickname: Hugh William ‘Grecian’ Williams
We are delighted to share a wonderful piece from our collection: this very rare George I green japanned dressing mirror is extremely finely decorated throughout with wonderful gilt chinoiseries on a dark green ground. Despite its diminutive size, the mirror features grand proportions, with the adjustable arched bevelled mirror plate supported by turned finial mounted … Continue reading Tiny Treasure: A George I Green Japanned Dressing Mirror
Charles Percier was a French neoclassical architect and designer known for his bold and dramatic interiors. He championed the Empire style and worked as the official architect to the Emperor Napoleon along with his contemporary Pierre-François Léonard Fontaine. His Arc du Carrousel can still be seen at the entrance of the Tuileries Garden in Paris. … Continue reading French Fantasies Come to Life: The Designs of Charles Percier
The Meissen porcelain factory is one of the most famous porcelain manufacturers in Europe: Meissen was founded in 1710 at Albrechtsburg castle in the town of Meissen at the instruction of Augustus the Strong, Elector Prince of Saxony and King of Poland. He established the factory after the discovery of hard-paste porcelain in the early … Continue reading Magnificent Meissen: A Serpent-Handled Vase from the Famed European Workshop
English antique furniture has long been admired by collectors for its exceptional craftsmanship and design. In addition to this general admiration, there are specific pieces of English furniture that have become iconic, and one of them is the bachelors chest. Bachelors chests first appeared in the latter half of the 17th century. These chests are … Continue reading A Triumph of English Design: The Bachelors Chest
Goodbye 2018, hello 2019. It’s been a great year, and we look forward to ringing in the new year with new (antique) furniture.
