Diving into Delftware: A Dutch Tradition

We recently looked at a type of pottery coming out of modern day Turkey, known as Iznik ware.  Today we are taking a closer look at Delftware, a type of pottery dating back almost 400 years from the Netherlands. Delftware emerged in the Netherland in an area known as Delft as potters attempted to imitate …

Exhibition Spotlight: A Worcester Cup and Saucer by James Giles from Saltram

We continue our series highlighting pieces from our exhibition Great Provenances: Exceptional Antiques from Notable Collections with an extremely rare Worcester teacup and saucer from the atelier of James Giles. The teacup and saucer are superbly painted in green monochrome on a pure white ground, with figures in classical landscapes, a gilt dentil border, a solid …

Lamps, Lamps, & More Lamps

It may be summer, which means long days and shorter nights, but that doesn't mean you aren't in need of lamps, lamps, and more lamps.  We have just published our latest online lamps catalogue, which you can read on our website here, or at the bottom of this post. Here are some lamps from the …

Designer Spotlight: Carlos Garcia Interiors

Our next Designer Spotlight feature is a designer right here on our doorstep in London (and Norfolk!).  Carlos Garcia of Carlos Garcia Interiors was born in Spain, and he has been a longtime admirer of English antiques and country house interiors.  He opened his eponymous interior design firm in 2014 and has created a portfolio …

Craqueluring the Code: What is Craquelure?

It is no secret that we are a fan of ceramic and porcelain lamps (for proof, see here and here).  One term that often comes up when discussing ceramics is the term craquelure.  So what does it mean? Craquelure is the fine pattern of cracking on the surface of materials, and in the case of …

A Selection of Antique & Modern Lamps

We are delighted to present an online catalogue of lamps from our collection.  With a mix of both antique and modern vases, each of these lamps has been selected for its fine quality and decorative appeal.  You can read the catalogue here: http://issuu.com/mackinnonfineart/docs/mackinnon_lamps_catalogue_winter_20_2209298fdd782d?e=25624079/58758226 Below we are highlighting a few examples from the catalogue. The ceramic …

A History of Japanning in England: The Lacquer Trade

In honour of our winter exhibition, Looking East: Japanned Furniture of Georgian England, we thought it was the perfect time to look at the history of japanning.  We will share this information over three posts in the coming weeks to coincide with the exhibition. Any history of japanning must start with the lacquer trade. In July …

Birds of a Feather: The History of Birds in Art

In honour of Thanksgiving, we thought it was a fitting time to pay homage to the turkey and his fellow avian friends.  Today we are going to look at the history of depicting birds in art and share a selection of birds found on pieces in our current collection. Birds have always held significance related …

400th Anniversary for Arita Ware

Technically, we are a year late.  Arita ware, also known as Arita-yaki, has its origins in 1616, when a Korean farmer, Yi Sam-pyeong, discovered white clay kaolin in Arita and used it to create Japan's first porcelain.  Arita was the first place to produce ceramics in Japan. After the discovery, a number of kilns opened …

Chantilly Porcelain: Aristocratic Ambition

Louis Henri de Bourbon, The Prince de Condé, established the Chantilly porcelain factory on the grounds of his château at Chantilly in 1730.  Chantilly was considered a 'splendid residence,' and it served as a sort of haven for the Prince away from the Royal Court.  Only four years earlier, the Prince de Condé had been …