Mallett Antiques - Antique News

English antique furniture 'captures the spirit and letter of antiquity'

09/09/2010 13:47:37

English antique furniture in the Regency style offers an archaeological revival of Roman interior decoration and remains, it has been claimed.

According to The Dictionary of English Furniture, the taste centred on the reproduction of Roman types of furniture and the adaptation of the period's motives.

Of the style, the publication observed: "Its exponents believed that they had captured not only the beautiful spirit of antiquity but the letter."

The....more

Antique tables 'add a certain showiness'

09/09/2010 10:51:28

In the publication Mallet Millennium, Lanto Synge noted antique tables from the Regency period offer a degree of "elegant simplicity".

The expert observed some of the tables of this time are "of plainer mahogany but this is elegantly and smartly dressed with polished brass and gilt reeded mouldings [and] brass beaded mouldings around the drawer fronts".

According to the writer, these features were typical of English antique furniture in the period 1790-1820.

The specialist added the designs of the time began with a simple theme but the details became more sumptuous and included dramatically sculptured shapes as time progressed.

An example of such an item from the period is the Regency tole and red japanned centre table from Mallett, which boasts a top decorated with a chinoiserie scene of courtiers against a black japanned ground.
ADNFCR-3033-ID-800058075-ADNFCR

]]>more

"Most fanciful" rococo work seen in mirror frames

08/09/2010 16:00:20

Collectors wishing to view the most elaborate and detailed examples of rococo style may like to take a look at mirrors produced during this period.

Lanto Synge, author of Mallett Millennium, says: "It was in mirror frame that the most fanciful rococo wood carving was achieved, often with a chinoiserie flavour."

Individuals could expect to see....more

"Novelty was key" in 18th century dressing rooms

08/09/2010 13:40:07

Those whose homes included a dressing room may have enjoyed furnishing it with a certain amount of frivolity.

Gervase Jackson-Stops and James Pipkin, co-authors of The English Country House, A Grand Tour, explain the 18th century saw a trend for French-influenced dressing rooms that became known as boudoirs.

"Novelty was still the key to the decoration of these interiors and - if chinoiserie had become somewhat hackneyed as a style - there were other equally exotic paths....more

Pedestal dining tables "most popular ever made"

08/09/2010 10:34:31

As most collectors will be aware, dining tables come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

Not all of these were well received, but Arthur Negus, author of Going for a Song: English Furniture, edited by Max Robertson, believes there was one style that outperformed the rest in terms of its appeal.

"Now come the pedestal dining tables dating from about....more

Remote households 'purchased local antique furniture'

07/09/2010 16:57:43

During the 18th century, those living in remote areas of England had little choice but to purchase their furniture from local craftsmen.

Ralph Edwards and Margaret Jourdain, co-authors of Georgian Cabinet Maker, explain the richer homeowners had the means "to patronise a fashionable London firm".

"But householders of moderate means living....more

Antique commodes 'of great importance in drawing rooms'

07/09/2010 13:49:28

Certain items of antique furniture can be placed around the home according to personal preference.

But some pieces are more suited to exact locations, such as the commode, explains David Nickerson, author of English Furniture.

He refers to pieces of furniture in Chippendale's Director, where the designer revealed drawings of his....more

Japanese furniture style "immediately admired" in 19th century

07/09/2010 10:48:31

When a new furniture trend was introduced in England during the 19th century, it didn't take long for people to accept the novel style.

This is the view of Geoffrey Beard, author of The National Trust Book of English Furniture, who explained there was an appreciation for Eastern trends,

"When the International Exhibition opened in London in 1862,....more

Number of newly rich 'soared in 19th century'

06/09/2010 16:54:46

Items of English antique furniture may have been popular during the 19th century, as increasing amounts of people moved to larger properties in rural parts of the country.

Mark Girouard, author of Life in the English Country House, explains this was a time when lifestyles were changing and the middle class expanded.

"As a result the number of newly rich people who were able to invest in landed property … was greater....more

Settees and sofas "closely related"

06/09/2010 16:49:10

In terms of modern furniture, some people may refer to settees and sofas as the same thing, with a certain level of confusion over the definitions of each description.

This has, indeed, been the case for hundreds of years, as Ralph Edwards explains in The Dictionary of Antique Furniture.

He says: "The seats … are so closely related that their....more

Antique chairs 'quickly picked up new fashions'

06/09/2010 13:36:37

When new fashions entered into elements of design during the 18th century, chairs were one of the first items of antique furniture to be subjected to the latest trends.

This is according to author of Chairs in Colour Lanto Synge, who refers to an element of humour and lightness that occurred after the reign of French King Louise XIV.

The rococo style....more

Showmanship "a feature of great furniture"

06/09/2010 10:44:36

Some of the most impressive items of antique furniture may be expected to have detailed and intricate features.

This is according to Lanto Synge, author of Mallett Millennium, who says: "Showmanship was often a feature of great furniture."

He cites a range of examples of 19th century pieces, such as a table that has bowed ends and a veneered top....more

Early corner cupboards 'used for china'

03/09/2010 10:45:41

The earliest examples of corner cupboards served the purpose of holding and displaying china items.

In The Dictionary of English Furniture, Ralph Edwards explains the items were first introduced in the 17th century, which is confirmed by a reference in Charles I's inventory to the pieces of furniture.

"But they do not appear to have become....more

Staining 'gives away reproduction furniture'

02/09/2010 16:53:43

In order to discover whether a piece of furniture is original or reproduction, it may be of assistance to examine how the item has been stained.

Arthur Negus, speaking to Max Robertson in Going for a Song: English Furniture, suggests looking underneath the furniture rather than the sections on show.

Craftspeople who attempt to duplicate a piece can use a....more

Patrons of the arts 'loyal to classical furniture styles'

02/09/2010 13:42:28

Classical furniture styles may be more popular among certain groups of collectors, while others may have a taste for modern pieces.

According to David Nickerson, author of English Furniture, this was certainly the case during the 18th century, when designs were changing.

"Many of the patrons of the arts and other educated men remained true to the....more

Concept of comfort 'slow to be accepted in dining rooms'

02/09/2010 10:44:38

It could be argued that certain items of antique dining room furniture are more formal than those placed in other rooms of the house.

According to Gervase Jackson-Stops and James Pipkin, co-authors of The English Country House A Grand Tour, it took rather a long time for homeowners to adopt a more relaxed approach in their dining rooms.

"The concepts....more

"Great difference" between knee-hole desks and tables

01/09/2010 16:39:07

Some English antique furniture collectors may be unable to tell the difference between a knee-hole desk and a knee-hole table.

But the differences that set these two pieces apart are quite obvious, according to Arthur Negus, writing in Going for a Song: English Antique Furniture, edited by Max Robertson.

He says: "People seem mystified by this but it seems to clear to me that a table must be up on legs. Anything that goes....more

Post-17th century dining 'held in smart parade rooms'

01/09/2010 12:36:50

Collectors with an interest in dining furniture may be keen to hear more about the eating habits of people during the 17th century.

Lanto Synge, author of Mallett Millennium, explains until this era many people would dine at long tables in great halls.

But the 17th century saw habits change and "smart parade rooms" were used for this....more

18th century day beds 'featured cabriole form'

01/09/2010 10:48:45

Many 18th century households were likely to include day beds - items which suited the general habit of reclining seen among a number of individuals at this time.

This, explains Ralph Edwards, author of The Dictionary of English Furniture, even occurred in remote country houses.

"Day beds of the early 18th century show no new principle of construction, but, in place of taper or scroll-shaped legs, the cabriole form was now introduced," he writes.

And the most....more

Berrington Hall decor 'among Henry Holland's finest achievements'

31/08/2010 13:33:22

Acclaimed furniture designer and architect Robert Adam is known for his high-quality work produced during the 18th century.

But younger craftsmen inspired by Adam began to emerge towards the latter part of this period, one of whom is Henry Holland, according to Arthur....more

Duke of Lauderdale 'lavishly furnished Ham House'

31/08/2010 13:31:34

Antique furniture originating from Ham House in Surrey could be expected to be grand and elaborate, if an author's suggestions are anything to go by.

Geoffrey Beard, author of The National Trust Book of English Furniture, says the Duke of Lauderdale John Maitland and his wife Elizabeth Murray set about transforming the house during the 1670s.

The....more

Carved splat Queen Anne chair "epitome of beauty"

31/08/2010 13:29:58

Those who want to view a fine example of an antique chair may be interested in pieces from the Queen Anne era featuring carved and veneered splats.

Lanto Synge, author of Chairs in Colour, explains such items are highly regarded in terms of their design.

At this time, the backs of chairs were modified to include a free dividing splat in the middle,....more

Variety of antique furniture 'evolved from chests'

31/08/2010 13:27:32

Antique chests may be of interest to collectors who want to invest in a piece that has inspired many other items of furniture.

Ralph Edwards, author of The Dictionary of English Furniture, reveals the articles have been in existence for many years.

"The chest in undoubtedly the most ancient form of furniture and from it, with the progress of....more

Antique furniture 'occasionally served dual purpose'

31/08/2010 10:46:51

English antique furniture collectors may enjoy purchasing a range of items to serve different roles.

But they may also discover there are some pieces that perform more than one function, explains Lanto Synge, author of Mallett Millennium.

An example of this is a metamorphic table that also serves as a....more

Furniture carving during George II reign "of great quality"

27/08/2010 13:47:49

Antique furniture created during the George II period was commonly crafted from walnut or mahogany.

Regardless of the material used, however, it is fair to say the detail tended to be impressive, as David Nickerson, author of English Furniture, reveals.

"Carving of great quality is shown in some of the seat furniture of the period," he notes,....more

Papier mache furniture 'at its best in 1851'

27/08/2010 12:17:44

Collectors with an interest in the range of different methods used in the creation of antique furniture and accessories may consider discovering more about papier mache techniques.

Geoffrey Beard, author of The National Trust Book of English Furniture, explains this method became popular during the 19th century.

"Papier mache is characterised by its....more

Antique mahogany hall chairs 'were of stark neo-classical form'

27/08/2010 12:09:28

Chairs can often be elaborate and decorative items, but some are also created simply to serve a purpose.

Lanto Synge, author of Chairs in Colour, explains those designed during the early 18th century for use in halls may fall into the latter category.

"Painted or mahogany hall chairs … had no upholstery and were often of a stark strange neo-classical form, usually in keeping with the decoration of the room," he notes.

That is not to say they were....more

"Simplification of design" occurred during Louis XVI reign

27/08/2010 10:39:56

French furniture from the 18th century may stereotypically be seen as elaborate with intricate detailing.

But there was actually a process whereby items became simpler during the reign of Louis XVI, explains Nietta Apra, author of The Louis Styles.

Despite this change, "furniture continued to dominate interior decoration" during the King of....more

Collectors could consider detail of giltwood furniture

27/08/2010 10:32:39

Those who enjoy taking a closer look at items of antique furniture may note a trend for certain features on giltwood pieces created during the early 18th century.

Lanto Synge, author of Mallett Millennium, explains: "Eagles were amongst the birds and animals carved in large scale to support side tables, especially around the 1730s in the tradition of William....more

Antique mirrors "occupied an important place in homes"

26/08/2010 12:43:44

mirrors may believe they are simply purchasing a decorative item, but their significance was actually far greater.

In the publication Going for a Song: English Furniture, Arthur Negus speaks to Max Robertson and explains: "[Mirrors] occupied an important place in homes, much the same as chairs did.

"It's possible to find mirrors which take up all the style points of the contemporary pieces of furniture," he adds.

An example is a Charles II mirror, the frame of which could almost be used as part of a Charles II chair, because the same design principles and ideas can be seen throughout both pieces, Mr Negus reveals.

Features of the two items could include small cherubs with a heraldic item in the centre and a crown supported by the figurines, he notes.

Collectors who want to view a more unusual example of a mirror could consider Mallett's early 18th century red japanned mirror, originating circa 1720. ADNFCR-3033-ID-800041264-ADNFCR

]]>more

Value of antique furniture "not always dependent on its age"

26/08/2010 12:41:58

When purchasing antique furniture, it may be tempting to believe the cost of an item is related to the amount of time to have passed since its creation.

But this is not necessarily the case, as Arthur Negus explains in Going for a Song: English Furniture, edited by Max Robertson.

He says: "Always assuming the articles to be old, the value depends on....more

Commodes 'regarded as a novelty' in early 18th century

26/08/2010 12:40:25

Collectors of antique furniture will undoubtedly be familiar with items known as commodes.

But the pieces have not been in production for as long as other creations, explains Ralph Edwards, author of The Dictionary of English Furniture.

He states the word itself is borrowed from the French language and the term was first used to refer to a low armoire....more

Late 18th century English furniture designs "enlivened and corrupted"

26/08/2010 10:48:43

Influences that crept into English furniture designs during the latter part of the 18th century may have dramatically changed the styles and tastes of the time.

Lanto Synge, author of Mallett Millennium, explains until this time English furniture was known for its elegance and perfect proportions.

These factors "were to be both enlivened and....more

Mid 18th century furniture 'high point of rocaille'

25/08/2010 12:05:52

English furniture has undoubtedly been influenced by French tastes and fashions over the years.

One of the key trends during the 18th century and surrounding years was rocaille, explains Nietta Apra, author of The Louis Styles.

The writer states: "Furniture enriched with gilt mounts and brilliant with brightly-coloured marquetry, fanciful and elegant....more

Drawing room chairs 'placed as and when needed'

25/08/2010 12:03:25

Certain items of furniture become permanent fixtures in a house and stand for many years.

But others are more portable and may have been moved from time to time, explain Gervase Jackson-Stops and James Pipkin, co-authors of The English Country House A Grand Tour.

This was particularly true of seating arrangements for drawing rooms and the authors cite the....more

Early 18th century japanning "very sophisticated"

25/08/2010 09:57:04

English antique furniture collectors are likely to be aware of the technique known as japanning, which has been employed for centuries by expert designers and craftspeople.

But it was only during the 18th century that this process became truly refined, Lanto Synge, author of Mallett Millennium, suggests.

He states: "By the early 18th century English japanning and the imitation of Chinese cabinets had become very....more

Beds in 19th century 'based on classical precedents'

24/08/2010 16:51:33

For a long time, beds have played an important role in British homes, often fulfilling practical as well as aesthetic requirements.

During the 19th century, the items of furniture were designed in a way that reflected previous creations, according to Ralph Edwards, author of The Dictionary of English Furniture.

He says beds "were designed in a....more

Gillows late 18th century furniture "much better known"

24/08/2010 12:38:01

Antique furniture collectors are likely to be familiar with the work from Gillows of Lancaster, crafted by successive members of the Gillows family.

While the firm was founded around 1728, it was during the following 100 years or so the work became more popular, according to Geoffrey Beard, author of The National Trust Book of English Furniture.

"Much better known is the firm's later output, in....more

Mahogany 18th century antique furniture "survived better"

24/08/2010 10:50:41

When purchasing furniture, many buyers will have taken the decision hoping the items would last a long time.

Those who opted for 18th century furniture made from mahogany may have been most impressed by its longevity, if comments from Lanto Synge, author of Chairs in Colour, are anything to go by.

"Much walnut furniture continued to be made till the middle of the century, but the mahogany has survived better," he....more

Sheraton sideboards 'convenient for smaller houses'

23/08/2010 09:35:30

Large country houses can be filled with English antique furniture of various shapes and sizes.

But smaller homes may be more difficult to furnish, as they require a little more consideration in terms of their layout.

In Going for a Song: English Furniture, edited by Max Robertson, Arthur Negus explains one item in particular proved useful in such abodes.

Thomas Sheraton placed three....more

19th century furniture saw 'style debunked for comfort'

20/08/2010 08:54:37

A change occurred in the antique furniture market towards the middle of the 19th century, which could be seen as a key moment in the development of the chair.

Lanto Synge, author of Chairs in Colour, explains 1830 is largely considered the time when "classic" antique furniture gave way to "late" furniture.

"That date does....more

17th century furniture 'tinged with continental tastes'

19/08/2010 13:46:23

Antique furniture collectors with an interest in items from the 17th century may already be aware of the influences surrounding such pieces.

Ralph Edwards, author of The Dictionary of English Furniture, explains this was partly due to the travels and experiences of the monarchs during this era.

"There was a strong tinge of the continental tastes....more

Mahogany "most familiar wood of antique furniture"

19/08/2010 10:55:21

Antique furniture is made from a wide variety of materials and comes in a range of shapes, designs and colours.

But one of the most popular forms of wood used in the creation of 18th century furniture is arguably mahogany, explains Lanto Synge, author of Mallett Millennium.

"Mahogany is probably the most familiar wood of antique furniture. It is....more

Queen Anne period 'saw change in settee design'

18/08/2010 16:35:54

Antique furniture produced during the reign of Queen Anne may noticeably differ to that of other eras.

This could be particularly obvious when regarding settees, which David Nickerson, author of English Furniture, explains altered during this period.

At the start of the era, individuals may expect to see "high-backed and elaborately carved" more

Ground-floor antique furniture 'carefully designed'

18/08/2010 13:31:17

Homeowners in the 17th and 18th centuries may have paid close attention to items of furniture they chose to go on public display in their properties.

And this thought process could have affected their decision when purchasing articles to sit in areas of the home where visitors would be present, suggests Geoffrey Beard, author of The National Trust Book of English....more

Furniture makers reached 'curiously high standard' during 18th century

18/08/2010 10:33:54

English antique furniture collectors wishing to view an example of the finest work the country's craftsmen have produced may be particularly impressed by 18th century pieces.

According to Arthur Negus in Going for a Song: English Furniture, edited by Max Robertson, this was a time when some of the most intricately crafted items were created.

"It's a curious thing what a high standard cabinet work reached in England all....more

Backgammon tables 'most ornamental gaming boards'

17/08/2010 16:26:19

Individuals searching for an antique games table that is highly attractive to view may consider those designed for backgammon.

According to Ralph Edwards, author of The Dictionary of English Furniture, there are many gaming boards in survival dating from the 17th century onwards.

"The most ornamental are for backgammon, or tric-trac, this game....more

Screens 'found in almost every 18th century great house'

17/08/2010 13:36:18

Oriental and decorative screens were a feature of almost every single great house in the country during the first half of the 18th century.

This is the view of Ralph Edwards, writing the Dictionary of English Furniture, who notes: "Many other varieties of folding screen were in use."

English antique furniture collectors wishing to create the look of an 18th century great house may find purchasing such an item allows them....more

Lacquered furniture 'not limited to black'

17/08/2010 10:33:20

Antique furniture collectors looking to add something a little different to their collection could look at lacquered items.

According to Geoffrey Beard, author of The National Trust Book of English Furniture, some of the more unusual items of the 17th century come in shades of red.

He states: "While the majority of the surviving cabinets are....more

Chippendale's antique furniture 'benefited from guidance of Adam'

16/08/2010 16:03:46

The quality and design of items made in the latter part of Thomas Chippendale's career - once he had been influenced by Robert Adam - far exceed those made in earlier years.

That is the view of Ralph Edwards and Margaret Jourdain, authors of Georgian Cabinet Makers, who say his final phase between....more

Highest quality antique furniture 'should not be stained'

16/08/2010 13:46:07

Staining is a technique that some newer designers of English antique furniture may employ in a bid to make their creations appear older.

So, advises Arthur Negus, talking to Max Robertson, editor of Going for a Song: English Furniture, collectors should check certain parts of items prior to purchase.

Of course, in the 17th and 18th century when the likes of more

Adam antique tables were "a fusion of classical detail"

16/08/2010 10:28:03

In the late 18th century, the design of console tables began to be influenced by classical trends.

Ralph Edwards, writing in his Dictionary of English Furniture, says although those in the bracket form were difficult to alter, the majority of such items evolved.

This is illustrated by a pair of console tables created by the renowned designer more

Chippendale's antique furniture "is amongst the most important ever made"

13/08/2010 15:38:07

Esteemed antique furniture designer Thomas Chippendale was the craftsman behind so many of England's finest chairs, tables and other pieces.

However, the work he produced for the Yorkshire home of the Earl or Harewood is said by one expert to be "amongst the most important ever made".

That is the view of Lanto Synge, author of Chairs in Colour, who suggests the....more

Culzean Castle 'is one of Robert Adam's finest achievements'

13/08/2010 13:46:42

Culzean Castle, located in Strathclyde, Scotland is a display of the skill and imagination of acclaimed antique furniture designer Robert Adam.

The 16th-century property's owner in 1777 - David, tenth Earl of Cassillis - called in Adam to transform it at this time, explains Arthur Foss, author of the National Trust's Country House Treasures.

"Adam's solutions to his....more

Antique mirrors 'boast finest rococo carving'

13/08/2010 10:55:00

Some of the finest wood carvings from the rococo period can be found on the frames of antique mirrors crafted at this time.

Lanto Synge, author of Mallett Millennium, explains it is in mirror frames that the "most fanciful" decoration is positioned.

He adds this often includes a "chinoiserie flavour, especially incorporating ho-ho birds -....more

Basildon Park 'home to outstanding antique furniture'

12/08/2010 17:03:08

Collectors of high-end English antique furniture could pay a visit to Basildon Park, Berkshire, before making their next purchase.

The stately home - which includes two pavilions either side of a main block - boasts several important items in a range of styles, explains Arthur Foss, author of the National Trust's Country House Treasures.

An antique mirror in the style of Robert Adam, located in the building's library, is....more

Antique bookcases 'were vital in mid-18th century'

12/08/2010 13:41:43

Antique bookcases played a key role in homes in the UK in the middle part of the 18th century, when collecting and reading publications was one of the most common passions.

Indeed, a large proportion of the British gentry possessed a large and diverse library, Lanto Synge, author of Mallett Millennium, explains.

The writer illustrates the example of an antique bookcase that is symbolic of the taste of the era, featuring elegant yet simple design and with the ability to store a....more

Antique folding tables 'trademark of Queen Anne era'

12/08/2010 10:55:33

Pieces of English antique furniture with more than one purpose started to become increasingly popular during the Queen Anne period.

Lanto Synge, author of Mallett Millennium, says an example of this is the rise of folding tables, which were "extremely useful" in houses of the time.

This is because they could be kept against the wall but unveiled to provide an elegant and stylish surface when required.

Among the....more

Antique kneehole desks 'are symbols of walnut period'

11/08/2010 16:52:46

One of the items of antique furniture that sums up the popular walnut period is the kneehole desk.

Lanto Synge, writing Mallett Millennium, describes the pieces as small chests of drawers containing a central cupboard and, in some cases, a specially crafted drawer at the top of the kneehole.

He offers an example of one such desk in the publication,....more

Sheraton document 'reveals antique furniture making expertise'

11/08/2010 13:58:29

The high quality and prestige associated with the English antique furniture crafted by legendary designer Thomas Sheraton can perhaps be summed up by a document he left behind.

Ralph Edwards, writing a preface for Sheraton Furniture Designs, says The Drawing Book - a text scribed by Sheraton between 1791 and 1794 - shows his sound technical knowledge.

His notes are far more comprehensive than any....more

Samuel Norman's antique furniture 'overhauled Woburn'

11/08/2010 10:54:15

Skilled antique furniture craftsman Samuel Norman was chosen in 1754 to provide a number of pieces for Woburn stately home in Bedfordshire.

Ralph Edwards and Mary Jourdain, authors of Georgian Cabinet Makers, document some of the items included in his account for work at the property six years later.

Among them are 14 Virginia walnut antique chairs for....more

General Information

Corporate Information

Mallett Companies