We are revisiting one of our favourite topics today: working with antiques allows you to see a piece transform and come back to life, all with a simple change of upholstery. It is incredible to see how much a chair's carved or gilded appearance can be enhanced with the right colour fabric. We thought we would … Continue reading To Pick a Colour…
Giltwood
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 … Continue reading Reflections on Mirrors: Origins in England
Mackinnon in the Press: Antique Collecting Highlights ‘Mirrors’
We are delighted to share details of the latest issue of Antique Collecting magazine, which highlights our latest publication featuring mirrors from our collection. The article, entitled 'In the Frame,' looks at the history of mirrors and their stylistic development in England from the 17th century through the 18th century, focusing on highlights from the publication. … Continue reading Mackinnon in the Press: Antique Collecting Highlights ‘Mirrors’
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 … Continue reading Friday Finds: A Look Back at the Archives
The Fanciful Designs of Thomas Johnson
Thomas Johnson was one of the most skilled carvers and furniture designers in Georgian England. He was a champion of both the rococo movement and chinoiserie taste, and his elaborate designs often wove the two styles together. Johnson was born in 1723 as one of twelve children to a London builder and developer, Joel Johnson. … Continue reading The Fanciful Designs of Thomas Johnson
Frozen in Time: Fossilized Marble
We looked at the use of marble in art, furniture, and design in a previous post, but today we want to focus on a specific type of marble: fossilised marble. The concept of using marble as tabletops in England came from the Italian precedent and became popular in the 18th century. Although many slabs of … Continue reading Frozen in Time: Fossilized Marble
Designer Spotlight: Melissa Wyndham Interior Design
Today's Designer Spotlight Melissa Wyndham Interior Design hails from London and has been a leading influence in English style since opening in 1985. Today, the firm is led by Vanessa Macdonald and Honor Hebblethwaite. Their careful curation of period art, design, and furniture creates the perfect balance of traditional taste with contemporary flair. The entryway … Continue reading Designer Spotlight: Melissa Wyndham Interior Design
A Very Happy New Year
Goodbye 2018, hello 2019. It’s been a great year, and we look forward to ringing in the new year with new (antique) furniture.
Flora & Fauna Catalogue Highlight: A Japanese Black and Gilt Lacquer Cabinet on Stand
Today's Flora & Fauna catalogue highlight is this exceptional Japanese Edo period black and gilt lacquer cabinet decorated throughout, including the top, with mountain landscape scenes. The cabinet features a pair of doors with copper engraved mounts, hinges, and lock-plates that open to reveal ten drawers of varying sizes similarly decorated with foliage. The interior doors are … Continue reading Flora & Fauna Catalogue Highlight: A Japanese Black and Gilt Lacquer Cabinet on Stand
Getting in the Spirit: Our Festive Holiday Window
With Christmas only two weeks away, we are happy to share some photographs of our festive holiday window. Do stop by the gallery if you are in the area, and if you are not in London, do be in touch if there is anything that catches your eye!
The Source 