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 …

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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 …

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 …

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 …

Mackinnon’s Summer Lamps Catalogue Now Published

We launched our summer lamps catalogue this week, and are delighted to share it with you. Have a look at the catalogue on our website here. These lamps are the perfect complement to any interior: with a mix of both antique and modern examples, the following collection reflects timeless designs and styles.  Each of the …

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 …

Mackinnon’s Biggest Fan: Burt the Saluki

We are finishing off the week with an introduction to the gallery's biggest fan (we are also quite fond of him!). Burt the Saluki can often be found at the gallery having a look at the collection and admiring antiques. Here is a shot of him yesterday giving his seal of approval on our wonderful …

A Sailor’s Souvenir: The Fascinating History of the Shellwork Designs

A 19th Century Sailor's Valentine from BarbadosMackinnon Fine Furniture Collection Today we are looking at a fascinating example of decorative arts that has its origins in Barbados and subsequently travelled worldwide thanks to sailors bringing them far and wide. Sailor's valentines are a specific type of shellwork incorporating geometric mosaics of shells within octagonal wooden boxes.  …

The Age of Walnut: A History (cont.)

A George I Burr Walnut Bureau from the collection of Duke of Chandos for Shaw House, Berkshire Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection Earlier in the week we shared a bit of history about the walnut tree for our Age of Walnut exhibition. We continue this history today looking at the emergence of walnut furniture in England …

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 …