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 …

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 …

A St. James’s Institution: Fortnum & Mason

We have looked at the history of our local area in St. James's several times before (to refresh your memory, have a look here, here, and here).  Today we are going to look at a local St. James's institution that is just a stones throw away from our gallery: Fortnum & Mason. Fortnum & Mason …

Looking Back: History of Art & Antique Dealers

Mackinnon Fine Furniture opened its doors in 2005, so we can't take the credit for being the first antique dealers.  However, we are part of a long lineage of art gallerists and dealers that stretches back to the 18th century. P & D Colnaghi & Co takes the crown as the oldest commercial art gallery, …

A Moment in Local Literary History: St. James’s Revisited

A while ago we wrote about the history of St. James's and Ryder Street, where our gallery is located.  You can read about the history here. Today we thought we would revisit the subject and focus on a particular historical figure who has a connection to Ryder Street: Jonathan Swift.  Swift was an Anglo-Irish author …

Right in the Heart of London: Our Gallery in St James’s

We like to keep an active presence online to reach clients worldwide, but the heart of our operation is in our London gallery.  Being in St James's is ideal, as it is a central hub for art dealers and auction houses.  In fact, Christie's is on our doorstep, and leading dealers in Old Master paintings, …