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 … Continue reading When Cabinet-Makers Unite: A Love Story
18th century
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 … Continue reading Sensational Scrolled Paper: A Refined Art
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 … Continue reading Chic Chinoiserie: Lacquer Panels Transformed into Tables
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
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
The Age of Walnut: A History (cont.)
A George II walnut armchair attributed to Giles Grendey Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection As our Age of Walnut exhibition continues this week, we are exploring more of the history of the use of walnut as a timber for furniture in England. From the end of the 17th century through the middle of the 18th century, … Continue reading The Age of Walnut: A History (cont.)
The Age of Walnut Exhibition Spotlight: A George I Burr Walnut Bureau Cabinet
A George I Burr Walnut Bureau Cabinet attributed to the Master of the Royal Portuguese CabinetsMackinnon Fine Furniture Today we are sharing another spotlight from our summer exhibition, The Age of Walnut. This superb George I burr walnut bureau cabinet is attributed to the Master of the Portuguese Royal Cabinets. The cabinet is veneered in … Continue reading The Age of Walnut Exhibition Spotlight: A George I Burr Walnut Bureau Cabinet
Mackinnon in the Press: Antique Collecting Highlights ‘Paper Chased’
We are delighted that Antique Collecting has highlighted our incredibly rare pair of George III paper scrolled tables in their article 'Paper Chased.' A Pair of George III Scroll Paper Tables Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection We first looked at this magnificent pair of tables and the history of the technique in our previous post here. … Continue reading Mackinnon in the Press: Antique Collecting Highlights ‘Paper Chased’
Cultural Reflections: Chinese Export Art & Decoration
A pair of Chinese export mirror pictures, Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection Today we are looking at the history of Chinese export art and decoration that arrived in Europe, beginning in the 17th century and increasing significantly in the 18th century. From the late 1700s an increasing number of British, American, Dutch, Portuguese, French, and Scandinavian … Continue reading Cultural Reflections: Chinese Export Art & Decoration
Friday Finds: A Look Back at the Archives
Detail from the George I scarlet japanned mule chest, Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection We are continuing our tradition of Friday Finds with a look back at the archives - today, we are exploring the history of the George I scarlet japanned mule chest in our collection. Antique furniture is not only defined by its age--it is also reflective of … Continue reading Friday Finds: A Look Back at the Archives