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 …

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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, …

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 …

Mackinnon in the Press: Antique Collecting Highlights Age of Walnut Exhibition

We are delighted to share an article from the latest issue of Antique Collecting magazine that highlights our forthcoming Age of Walnut exhibition. The article offers an in depth look at the history of walnut furniture in England in the late 17th and early 18th centuries when it was at its most popular. The article highlights several pieces that …

Theodore Deck & His Turquoise Treasures

Joseph-Théodore Deck (1823-91) was a celebrated French potter who ran a successful workshop in Paris for many years in the mid to late 19th century.  This workshop, Joseph-Théodore Ceramique Française, produced ceramics in a variety of styles, including in foreign Iznik and Chinese patterns. One of Deck's greatest legacies is the famed bleu de Deck, which …

Celebrating Celadon: A Ceramic History

Celadon is a celebrated type of pottery that originated in Asia and is defined by its distinctive jade green glaze. Although the pottery comes from Asia, the term 'celadon' is European.  It is possible that the 17th century shepherd Celadon in Honoré d'Urfé's L'Astrée is linked to the origin of the term, as he was known for …

Superbly Serpentine: A Sofa Designed in the Manner of Thomas Chippendale

We are no stranger to the designs and furniture of Thomas Chippendale (see here, here, and here for proof... or here, here, and here!).  This very fine 19th century mahogany double serpentine sofa is designed in the manner of Thomas Chippendale. The sofa features upholstered back, seat, and sides.  The mahogany show-frame is finely carved …

Reflections on Mirrors: Origins in England

To celebrate the publication of our latest catalogue Mirrors (which you can read here), we will be sharing a few posts that look into the history of mirrors in England from the 17th century onward. Capturing ones reflection dates back to mythology: Narcissus, upon seeing his beautiful reflection in the waters, fell in love with himself and …

Friday Finds: A Look Back at the Archives

We are delighted to present a new series, Friday Finds, where we will delve into the library and look at publications on art & antiques that are relevant to pieces in our current collection.  Today, we are focusing on the pair of George III giltwood armchairs attributed to John Cobb.  We looked at these chairs …

A Rare Treasure: A George II Japanned Pier Mirror Attributed to Giles Grendey

We have always loved 18th century japanning: we held an exhibition on japanning at the gallery in the past.  Today we wanted to share an exceptionally rare large George II green japanned pier mirror attributed to Giles Grendey.  The beveled mirror plates in two parts are surrounded by a magnificently decorated shaped frame profusely decorated …