The introduction of mahogany into this country from the 1720s heralded a move away from walnut and towards the sophisticated and elegant pieces so characterised by the great designers of the second half of the 18th century.
Sheraton, Hepplewhite and Chippendale would not have become the household names they are now had not mahogany, with its lustrous patina and physical strength, not been the basis of developments in 18th century cabinetmaking.
Windsor House Antiques, which comprises two showrooms at 28-29 Dover Street and the adjacent 18th century townhouse at 23 Grafton Street, London W1, is an ideal setting for this show. The owner D. Kevin Smith, always has a good, extensive stock of period mahogany furniture, but for this show he has brought together a special collection including sofas, tea tables, commodes, foot stools, china cabinets and much else.
The furniture is offered with decorative accessories and prices range from £1500 to £150,000.
Exhibition shows how mahogany made its mark
MAHOGANY is synonymous with the finest 18th century English furniture and its supreme place in English furniture history is celebrated from April 8 to 25 with a selling exhibition, Magnificent Mahogany – Two Centuries of English Furniture, at Mayfair’s Windsor House Antiques.
