Today, June 5 2018, marks Thomas Chippendale's 300th birthday. Quite an achievement! We have covered Thomas Chippendale on our blog before: providing some examples of giltwood mirrors designs by the cabinetmaker, sharing an exciting discovery about an early exhibition on Chippendale, and most recently exploring the wonderful chair designs of Chippendale. Today, we will highlight some lesser … Continue reading Happy 300th Birthday, Thomas Chippendale
Chippendale
Royal Beginnings: A Pair of George II Walnut Stools from the Collection of HRH Prince Frederick Lewis
We appreciate all fine antique furniture, but there is something special about a piece that has a known provenance. Particularly if that provenance is royal. We were delighted to acquire an exceptional pair of George II walnut stools from the collection of English royal family. Each stool is stamped ‘F’ beneath a closed crown (indicating … Continue reading Royal Beginnings: A Pair of George II Walnut Stools from the Collection of HRH Prince Frederick Lewis
Never Taking a Back Seat: The Incredible Chair Backs of Thomas Chippendale
A while ago we wrote about an exceptional pair of George III mahogany side chairs from our archive--the carved pierced backs of the chairs closely follow the designs on Plate IX of Thomas Chippendale's Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director. Today, we are highlighting two exceptional George III mahogany specimen chairs that also feature fantastic carved backs. Specimen … Continue reading Never Taking a Back Seat: The Incredible Chair Backs of Thomas Chippendale
Thomas Chippendale: An Exciting Discovery from the Past
We are excited to see that Thomas Chippendale's tercentenary is being celebrated by the art world in a big way. In addition to the Leeds City Museum hosting an exhibition entitled Thomas Chippendale: A Celebration of Craftsmanship and Design, 1718-2018 from February 9 to June 9, there will be additional events held at Dumfries House, Harewood … Continue reading Thomas Chippendale: An Exciting Discovery from the Past
A Marquetry Masterpiece: A George III Serpentine Commode attributed to Ince & Mayhew
We are delighted to share a masterpiece of English antique furniture today. This exceptional George III ormolu mounted serpentine marquetry commode is attributed to Ince & Mayhew, one of the leading cabinetmaking firms of the Georigan era. The serpentine top is centred with a rococo cartouche featuring exquisite floral marquetry on a yewwood reserve, above … Continue reading A Marquetry Masterpiece: A George III Serpentine Commode attributed to Ince & Mayhew
Behind the Scenes: Photographing Our Collection
Photography is a fundamental part of running any art gallery, including ours. These photographs go on our website, in our catalogues, and through the variety of social media channels we use to share our collection. We take photographs in our gallery when possible, as shown in the leading image when we had our magnificent George … Continue reading Behind the Scenes: Photographing Our Collection
When Art Imitates Life, and Vice Versa
It is no secret that one of our favourite artists is Arthur Devis (1712-1787)--the English painter is best known for his conversation pieces, a particular type of portraiture showing individuals posed within a detailed domestic setting. Devis's painted interiors served to highlight the sitter's gentility, elegance, and taste. Today, we are taking a closer look at … Continue reading When Art Imitates Life, and Vice Versa
The Director Himself: Thomas Chippendale & His Designs for Mirrors
It is impossible to talk about antiques without talking about Thomas Chippendale. This preeminent cabinetmaker of the eighteenth century has become synonymous for all things Georgian. There are plenty of biographies of Thomas Chippendale that you can read here and here (PS: The Chippendale Society is a great resource for all furniture enthusiasts. We are proud to … Continue reading The Director Himself: Thomas Chippendale & His Designs for Mirrors
The Source 