Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn

It is the last day of August, and it feels like an appropriate time to say 'goodbye' to summer. This image of the top of our rare George I gilt gesso card table features a magnificent flower head surrounded by acanthus leaves and other flowering foliage - the epitome of summer! This summer we have …

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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 Moment in Local Espionage History: MI6 & Ryder Street

The aim of this blog is to highlight antique furniture and historic interiors... but we couldn't resist sharing this fascinating bit of history from our very own Ryder Street, where we have had a gallery since 2009. In 1943, MI6 established Section V's headquarters at 14 Ryder Street.  Section V was the central foreign counter-espionage …

Elegant & Chic: A Pair of Two Tier Tables with Coloured Stones

We have recently acquired this fantastic pair of two tier tables, each featuring a collection of coloured stones. The tops of each table are inset with the coloured stones on a gilded surface and mounted in craquelure painted frames.  The lower shelves are decorated with gilding and craquelure surrounds.  The brass frames feature pinecone finials …

Designer Spotlight: Sophie Ashby of Studio Ashby

Our next Designer Spotlight, Sophie Ashby of Studio Ashby, has a fascinating background.  Sophie grew up between South Africa and the UK, and at the young age of 25 she set up her interior design practice.  Sophie's projects reflect her personality with an eye for incorporating art throughout her interiors, whether it be traditional or …

Flashback Friday: The Grosvenor House Art & Antiques Fair

Today we are taking a step back in time to look at one of London's most storied and renowned art fairs, the Grosvenor House Art & Antiques Fair. The Grosvenor House Art & Antiques Fair was founded in 1934 and became a highlight of the London art world until 2009.  The art fair ran every …

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!

Flora & Fauna Catalogue Highlight: A Worcester Cup & Saucer with Exotic Birds

Our series highlighting pieces from our recently published Flora & Fauna catalogue continues today.  This extremely rare First Period Worcester coffee cup and saucer features exotic birds and comes from the atelier James Giles.  Each piece is decorated with a central image of colourful exotic birds in a landscape. James Giles and his workshop are often associated with …

A Shopping Tradition in St. James’s: The Arcades

We are focusing once again on some local history here in St. James's today with a close look at the history of the arcades that serve as a highlight of the shopping experience in the area. The oldest arcade in London is the Royal Opera Arcade off Pall Mall, which was designed by the renowned …

Regal Rosewood: A Closer Look at the Exotic Timber

Rosewood refers to a variety of different species of heavy, dense, dark-streaked timbers.  It is commonly believed that rosewood got its name from its rose-like scent, but this is not the case.  Its signature characteristic is the streaky purple-black figure. Rosewood has been imported from Brazil since trade routes opened in 1808.  Indian rosewood was …