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 …

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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 …

Imari Intrigue: An Exceptional Japanese Imari Charger with Museum Connections

We recently acquired this exceptional Japanese Imari charger of particularly large scale.  Of round form with a shallow bowl, the charger is painted in dark underglaze blue with shades of iron red overglaze enamels and gilding.  The piece is decorated in the centre with a roundel painted with a tall vase holding a bouquet of …

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 …

The Story Behind a Nickname: Hugh William ‘Grecian’ Williams

Hugh William Williams (1773-1829) was a Scottish painter known for his depictions of landscapes.  He began his artistic career training under David Allan and Alexander Nasmyth.  He later befriended J. M. W. Turner, who was an important influence as well as an admirer of Williams' work He received the nickname 'Grecian Williams' after his extensive …

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 …

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 …

Turkish Delight: Iznik Pottery

Turkish design has been a source of inspiration in Western Europe for centuries--everything from furniture, textiles, and ceramics have been highly valued for its fine quality and intricate decoration. Today we are taking a closer look at a type of ceramics known as Iznik ware.  Iznik pottery takes its name from a town in Anatolia, …

Thomas Rowlandson: An Eighteenth Century Viewpoint

Thomas Rowlandson was an English artist and caricaturist working throughout the second half of the eighteenth century.  He was a prolific artist--as it was once said, he 'etched as much copper as would sheathe the British navy.'  Rowlandson trained in London and in Paris, and after entering the Royal Academy and exhibiting for several years …