Friday Finds: A Look Back at the Archives

A Pair of George III Marquetry Card Tables attributed to John Cobb from Stowe, Buckinghamshire Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection We are continuing our series 'Friday Finds' looking at some archival material related to the exceptional pair of Stowe card tables in our collection. This very fine pair of George III kingwood and brass-inlaid card tables …

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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. …

French Taste for English Eyes: Pierre Langlois

Pierre Langlois was a cabinet-maker of Huguenot origins who found favour in both the Royal Court and within the aristocracy. His name is now synonymous with the greatest English furniture, made in the French taste, during the second half of the 18th century. Langlois was born in France and trained as a cabinetmaker, possibly with …

The ABCs of Decorative Arts: Marquetry

It is hard to believe that today's post brings us halfway through our alphabetical tour of the decorative arts.  We will take a close look at one of the quintessential decorative styles of Georgian furniture: marquetry.  Marquetry is the term for inlaid work made from small pieces of wood or other materials to decorate the …

Marvellous Marquetry: An Exceptional William & Mary Mirror

A while ago we shared a post giving an overview of the history of mirrors.  Today we are highlighting a rare William & Mary marquetry mirror.  In the manner of Gerrit Jensen.  This exceptional large scale William and Mary walnut and fruitwood marquetry wall mirror features inlaid shaped cresting, and the rectangular mirror plate is …

Exhibition Spotlight: The Stowe Card Tables

As we round out the second week of our summer exhibition, Great Provenances: Exceptional Antiques from Notable Collections, we are delighted to share the Stowe card tables.  This very fine pair of George III kingwood and brass-inlaid card tables is attributed to John Cobb.  The table tops are quarter-veneered with a mounted edge, and the tops …

The Hampton Court Chairs: An Exceptional Survival of George I Marquetry

We are delighted to share one of our latest acquisitions that is steeped in history.  This superb pair of George I walnut and seaweed marquetry side chairs is attributed to the Royal chairmakers Thomas or Richard Roberts.  Each chair features an arched upholstered and close-nailed back and seat and stands on shaped cabriole legs with square …

The ABCs of the Decorative Arts: Hotspur Antiques

Our adventure through the ABCs of the decorative arts continues today with a name familiar to anyone in antiques: Hotspur Antiques.  Hotspur was established in 1924 by Frederick Kern.  A history lover, Kern named the business after the character in Shakespeare's play Henry IV.  The family run business saw three generations of highly esteemed directors, …

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 …

Bringing French Taste to England: Pierre Langlois

Pierre Langlois was a cabinet-maker of Huguenot origins who found favour in both the Royal Court and within the aristocracy. His name is now synonymous with the greatest English furniture, made in the French taste, during the second half of the 18th century. Langlois was born in France and trained as a cabinetmaker, possibly with …