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 …

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Friday Finds: A Look Back at the Archives

A Pair of George III Marquetry Card Tables attributed to John Cobb from Stowe, Buckinghamshire Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection We are continuing our series 'Friday Finds' looking at some archival material related to the exceptional pair of Stowe card tables in our collection. This very fine pair of George III kingwood and brass-inlaid card tables …

A Moment in Local Espionage History: MI6 & Ryder Street

The aim of this blog is to highlight antique furniture and historic interiors... but we couldn't resist sharing this fascinating bit of history from our very own Ryder Street, where we have had a gallery since 2009. In 1943, MI6 established Section V's headquarters at 14 Ryder Street.  Section V was the central foreign counter-espionage …

Culzean Castle: A Scottish Gem

Culzean Castle, overlooking the Firth of Clyde, has a fascinating history.  In 1569, the 4th Earl of Cassilis gifted the castle to his brother, Sir Thomas Kennedy.  In the following centuries, the castle was expanded and enlarged.  The original castle was likely a stone tower house and dates back to the late 14th century. In …

French Fantasies Come to Life: The Designs of Charles Percier

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. …

Chippendale’s Chinoiserie: An Exceptional George II Carved Mahogany Chair

In honour of Thomas Chippendale's tercentenary this year, we are delighted to share an outstanding and important George II carved mahogany armchair of the finest quality in the manner of the celebrated cabinetmaker.  Designed in the chinoiserie taste, the back splat is carved with a pagoda cresting and a highly detailed lattice-work back and sides, …

A St. James’s Institution: Fortnum & Mason

We have looked at the history of our local area in St. James's several times before (to refresh your memory, have a look here, here, and here).  Today we are going to look at a local St. James's institution that is just a stones throw away from our gallery: Fortnum & Mason. Fortnum & Mason …

Designer Spotlight: Susan Knof of Knof Design

Our next Designer Spotlight is Susan Knof of Knof Design.  Based in London, Susan Knof opened her company in 2012 after spending time in New York and Sydney with over 15 years of experience in the architecture and design industry.  Her time spent travelling is a clear influence on her designs: Susan's interiors reflect a …

Exhibition Spotlight: The Stowe Card Tables

As we round out the second week of our summer exhibition, Great Provenances: Exceptional Antiques from Notable Collections, we are delighted to share the Stowe card tables.  This very fine pair of George III kingwood and brass-inlaid card tables is attributed to John Cobb.  The table tops are quarter-veneered with a mounted edge, and the tops …

Exhibition Spotlight: The Hagley Hall Side Chairs

Our exhibition spotlight today is this outstanding pair of George III carved mahogany and upholstered side chairs, attributed to the Royal cabinet-makers William Vile and John Cobb.  The serpentine-shaped upholstered backs and seats are above wonderful carved seat frames and exaggerated cabriole legs terminating in scroll feet.  The carving is of exceptional quality and crispness. …