Elegant, Refined, and Subtle: The Ring Ouzel

A taxidermy case of a Ring Ouzel by J. Cullingford of DurhamMackinnon Fine Furniture Collection This very fine taxidermy case of a Ring Ouzel (Turdus Torquatus) is by J. Cullingford of Durham. The Cullingford firm was active in the late 19th century.   It was run by Joseph Cullingford, who became Curator of the University Museum, …

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 …

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 …

Friday Finds: A Look Back at the Archives

Detail from the George I scarlet japanned mule chest, Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection We are continuing our tradition of Friday Finds with a look back at the archives - today, we are exploring the history of the George I scarlet japanned mule chest in our collection. Antique furniture is not only defined by its age--it is also reflective of …

Winding Back the Time… A Magnificent Japanned Clock

A Georgian Scarlet Japanned Eight Day Clock by Robert Wood Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection We are delighted to share this magnificent scarlet japanned eight day clock by the London clockmaker Robert Wood. A Georgian Scarlet Japanned Eight Day Clock by Robert Wood Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection The case is beautifully decorated with scarlet japanning and …

Sensational Scrolled Paper: A Refined Art

We are delighted to share a rare and remarkable pair of George III scroll paper tables - these tables are part of a very small group of furniture that features this decorative technique called scroll paper decoration, also known as quilling or paper filigree.  We will look at the history of this technique and its …

The Feet on Furniture: Animal Paw Feet

If you had a look at our Instagram today, you would have seen that we are starting a new Friday tradition taking a close look at the feet on pieces of furniture in our collection. We will explore the different styles and motifs that were popular throughout the 18th century on chairs, table, chests, and …

Classicism at its Finest: A George III Mahogany Armchair

Today we are sharing a marvellous specimen chair: the quality of the carving is quite magnificent, and the mahogany is of the most wonderful colour.  The distinctive carving of the anthemion, or honeysuckle, on the back splat is a hallmark of the neo-classical movement that was used by Robert Adam, James Wyatt, and other notable …

Flora & Fauna Catalogue Highlight: A George II Secretaire Cabinet by John Channon

Today's Flora & Fauna catalogue highlight is a George II secretaire cabinet attributed to John Channon with a brilliant panther mask engraved escutcheon.  Like William Gomm, John Channon was not known in the cannon of furniture history until the second half of the twentieth century.  Noted furniture historians, including R. W. Symonds, identified the incredible quality …

Flora & Fauna Catalogue Highlight: Carved and Painted Deer with Antlers

It feels fitting to kick off our series of highlights from our newly published catalogue Flora & Fauna with this pair of carved and painted deer with antlers. Deer hold special meaning in many religions and cultures.  In the Buddhist tradition, deer represent harmony, happiness, and serenity.  The Buddha gave his first sermon within the tranquil …