Presenting Flora & Fauna: The Natural World in Antique Furniture & the Decorative Arts

We are delighted to announce the launch of our holiday catalogue, Flora & Fauna: The National World in Antique Furniture & the Decorative Arts.  Since the earliest cave paintings from 25,000 BCE, men chose animals as their first subjects for cave paintings.  From then on, the world of flora and fauna has often dominated artistic depictions …

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The Perfect Pairing: A Pair of Gilt Torcheres & Giltwood Table

In our next instalment of 'The Perfect Pairing,' we are looking at a classic ensemble of furniture from the early 18th century known as a pier set.  This set would include a pair of torcheres which would flank either side of a pier table with a mirror hung above the table.  In the early Georgian …

Take a Closer Look: Art Imitating Life (and Furniture)

While doing research for our winter exhibition (stay tuned!), we came across this intriguing portrait in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.  This portrait by Francis Wheatley depicts the Saithwaite Family in a drawing room.  Wheatley was renowned for his group portraits and was a member of the Royal Academy.  …

Mackinnon Fine Furniture 2018 Annual Catalogue Now Published

We are delighted to announce that our third annual print catalogue is now published.  The pieces featured in this catalogue have all been chosen for their individual attributes that make English antique furniture so inherently interesting and appealing-in particular, we have concentrated on provenance and attribution, as well as fantastic decoration, design, colour, and patina.  …

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 …

Period Portraits: David Garrick

We are introducing a new series today, which we are calling 'Period Portraits.'  These blog posts will focus on an individual historical character and his or her connection to the world of decorative arts.  We often look at cabinetmakers in our posts, including Thomas Chippendale, William Gomm, or Ince & Mayhew, but the focus of …

A Noble Pair: Carved and Painted Deer with Antlers

We are taking a quick break from our usual English antique furniture posts to share what is arguably our most charming recent acquisition: a pair of carved and painted deer with antlers.  In our exploration of deer and their cultural history, we are sharing other depictions of deer from a wide range of cultures and …

The Master of Mirrors: John Belchier

We recently acquired this very fine George II gilt gesso mirror in the manner of John Belchier.  The original rounded rectangular bevelled plate sits within a foliate-carved moulded frame.  The cresting is centred by feathers and flanked by eagles’ heads on a pounced ground, and the apron centred by a cherub mask and wings. John …

Gilded Glamour: A Pair of Giltwood Gadrooned Armchairs attributed to John Cobb

This important pair of George III giltwood armchairs attributed to John Cobb have just arrived in the gallery.  Designed in the French taste, these exceptional chairs have magnificent gadrooned show-frames.  The seat, back and armrests are upholstered with silk damask, and the elegant cabriole legs similarly gadrooned and and terminating in scroll toes with pad feet.  …

It’s Coming! The 2018 LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair: September 14-19

We are delighted to be exhibiting at the 2018 LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair.  The fair takes place in Berkeley Square in Mayfair from September 14 to September 19. We will be showing highlights from our collection, including pieces with fascinating histories and rare stylistic features. We will be happy to send you a complimentary …