Author Archives: Belinda Chavasse

Antiques are Green was launched  in September 2009. This not-for-profit campaign aims to get antiques recognised for their genuine green credentials. Antiques are a great buy, good value for money and a very enjoyable, sustainable purchase. In September 2010  a … Continue reading →

The technique of brass inlay was first made famous by a French cabinet maker, Andre Charles Boulle, in the 17th century. Very thin layers of brass and tortoiseshell, glued together, were cut with a fine saw into scroll and arabesque … Continue reading →

The fork of a mahogany tree for “flame”, or the curly “burr” found near the roots of walnut trees, form especially beautiful grain. Wide planks of this type of wood tend to warp and curl, so the technique of veneering … Continue reading →

Amongst new pieces this week is this lovely 18th century side table in Cuban mahogany, dating from about 1740. It is typical of the period, with its beautiful simple lines emphasised by a single handle. How did the mahogany get … Continue reading →

Marquetry is the method of decorating the surface of furniture with a panel of veneers. The sheets of veneer are temporarily glued together into a “pack”, and cut with a fine saw, producing contrasting panels of identical design. Woods used … Continue reading →

Pembroke tables were named after the Countess of Pembroke, said to have been the first to order one. They appeared as a form in about 1750, but really became popular about 1780. They were considered to be a useful small … Continue reading →

One of the most frequent questions we are asked is “What is patina?” It is one of the most difficult things to describe, and yet it is that extra ingredient which transforms the surface of a piece of furniture from … Continue reading →

From time to time, a really exceptional piece of furniture comes into the showroom, and this early Georgian kneehole desk is one of them. Dating from about 1750, it is typical of early Georgian furniture from this period; the quality … Continue reading →

This magnificent table was made in about 1830; style wise, it is typical of the late Regency period: the lion’s paw feet are beautifully carved, with a great depth and clarity. The tulip-shaped carving on the pedestal is a nod … Continue reading →