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Author Archives: Jack Plane
The Cabinet-Maker’s Tree
Before the introduction of mahogany, the walnut was “the cabinet-maker’s tree” in England, and it was well adapted for the purpose, — being tough and strong in proportion to its weight, beautifully variegated, admitting of a fine polish, durable, and … Continue reading
Three Species of Mahogany
There are three species of mahogany: — Common mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni), Swietenia febrifuga, and Swietenia chloroxylon: the first being a native of the West India Islands and the central parts of America, and the second and third natives of the … Continue reading
Posted in Furniture Timbers
Tagged mahogany, Swietenia chloroxylon, Swietenia febrifuga, Swietenia mahagoni
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Exhibition | The Genius of Grinling Gibbons
Now on view at Fairfax House: The Genius of Grinling Gibbons: From Journeyman to King’s Carver Fairfax House, York, 14 April – 14 September 2018 Grinling Gibbons, King David Panel, ca. 1670, boxwood (York: Fairfax House). Fairfax House is delighted … Continue reading
Backs to the Walls!
One frequently hears dealers – or reads authors – waxing lyrical about a cabinet or chest of drawers; its proportions, the figure of the wood, the mouldings, the finish etc., but seldom does one hear or read much, if anything, … Continue reading
Picture This CXXIV
There has, justifiably, been much excitement at Castle Plane this week – I recently came across a superlative item of walnut furniture that has me aroused. I love nothing more than a continuous and complete chronology. I love it all … Continue reading
Auction Result – Christie’s 5th July 2018
The mahogany chest of drawers (lot 13) mentioned in Christie’s Thomas Chippendale: 300 Years realised GBP 137,500 (AUD 246,087, USD 181,789) against a pre-auction estimate of GBP 60,000 – GBP 100,000 (AUD 107,402 – AUD 178,996, USD 79,331 – USD 132,219). … Continue reading
Christie’s Thomas Chippendale: 300 Years
To commemorate Thomas Chippendale’s 300th birthday, Christie’s are conducting a sale of a number of items of furniture attributed to Thomas Chippendale, in their rooms at 8 King Street, St. James’s, London on July the 5th. The construction of lot 13‘s … Continue reading
Happy Birthday Thomas Chippendale.
Born in Otley in the West Riding of Yorkshire in England on the 5th of June 1718, Thomas Chippendale Senior became Britain’s most iconic – some would say pre-eminent – cabinetmaker and decorator. Christie’s tribute. Jack plane.
Milk of Human Purblindness
Over the weekend I received a flurry of emails from readers wishing to know the brand and colour of milk paint I used on a pair of forest chairs I made last year. I suppose it had to happen one … Continue reading
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Picture This CXXIII
An old friend in Bury St Edmunds was interested in purchasing this bureau (figure 1) which came up for auction (twice in the past two weeks), in nearby Colchester in Essex. I wasn’t able to reply to him before the … Continue reading
