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 …

Sensational Scrolled Paper: A Refined Art

We are delighted to share a rare and remarkable pair of George III scroll paper tables - these tables are part of a very small group of furniture that features this decorative technique called scroll paper decoration, also known as quilling or paper filigree.  We will look at the history of this technique and its …

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 Closer Look at a George III Marquetry Harewood Card Table

Today we are taking a closer look at a magnificent George III Chippendale period marquetry harewood demi-lune card table.  The table's design and its history are both notable and deserve further exploration. The top and frieze of the table feature exceptional quality inlaid decoration, in wonderful condition, with strong engraved detailing.  The top opens to …

Exhibition Spotlight: A George II Walnut Side Chair from the Collections of the Earls of Lonsdale

Today's Great Provenances exhibition spotlight is a very fine George III walnut side chair attributed to Paul Saunders, the sinuous exaggerated serpentine-shaped and pierced back finely carved throughout with acanthus leaves and hare-bells, the upholstered seat with silk damask, above four superb similarly carved cabriole legs each terminating in exaggerated scroll toes in the ‘French’ taste. This …

Exhibition Spotlight: Judge Irwin Untermyer’s Walnut Curule Armchairs

Our Great Provenances exhibition continues through the end of the week, and so will our daily spotlights on individual pieces in the exhibition.  Today we are taking a closer look at a pair of walnut curule form armchairs that were previously in the collection of the esteemed American collector, Judge Irwin Untermyer.  Untermyer famously left his …

Exhibition Spotlight: A Fourth of July Special

  A very happy Fourth of July to our friends across the pond!  Today's Great Provenances exhibition spotlight has strong ties with America.  This portrait by John Hoppner R.A. depicts Sir John Osborn (1772-1848) wearing a blue coat with a red lined collar and white neck cloth. John Hoppner John Hoppner was a highly regarded portrait artist …

Summer Exhibition Announcement: Great Provenances

We are delighted to share our forthcoming summer exhibition, Great Provenances: Exceptional Antiques from Notable Collections, running at our St. James’s gallery from the 25th of June to the 13th of July. This exhibition is a perfect introduction to English antique furniture for anyone curious about heritage, patronage, and legacy in the arts. Each piece …

Looking Ahead: A Sneak Peak at New Stock

We are closing the 2017 year out by looking ahead to 2018 with some of our newest pieces of stock.  Stay tuned in the coming weeks to learn more about these exceptional antiques, each of which has a fascinating story.  One has come from a notable country house in England, another comes from a prominent …

Flashback Friday: A Piece from the Archives

We are no strangers to the social media trend to use 'throwback Thursday' and 'flashback Friday' - and we are happy to jump on the bandwagon to discuss a piece from our collection archive.  We acquired a rare and very fine pair of George III mahogany side chairs, which featured exceptional quality carving of great depth …