20 November 2012, Dorset:  Jonathan Sainsbury Ltd, today launch their new collection of fine furniture and mirrors, pushing the boundaries of classical design in terms of skills and techniques. The magnificent new pieces, comprising over 30 mirrors, tables and chairs, are all characterised by their bold form and strong architectural character. The new pieces have been inspired by the original makers such as William Kent and Thomas Chippendale. Outstanding pieces from the collection include the Chippendale Ho Ho Mirror, The Goodison Fox Sidetable, The Kent Chiswick House Table, The Morel and Hughes Benches and the Dolphin Centre Table. 

"Discerning individuals worldwide are building and renovating spectacular country homes exactly like they used to in the 18th and 19th Centuries," explains Jonathan Sainsbury, Managing Director of Jonathan Sainsbury Ltd. "We are experiencing an increase in demand for interiors designed, decorated and furnished in ways that are historically accurate. Clients want beautifully crafted furniture, made entirely by hand, employing techniques and skills rarely seen since the 18th and 19th Centuries. The craftsmanship of our cabinet makers, carvers, polishers and gilders are equal to those of years gone by, enabling us to make some of the most magnificent furniture and mirrors available today. "

Jonathan Sainsbury Ltd has been a family business since 1918 and the new collection has been produced drawing on a wealth of knowledge and experience passed down through four generations of antiques and restoration experts. The company has an international reputation for supplying the finest hand carved mirrors and furniture. Jonathan Sainsbury Ltd work very closely with top international designers, private clients and the National Trust. Their work has ranged from supplying furniture and mirrors for classical country houses, London and worldwide residences, luxury hotels and superyachts.

Jonathan has been invited to appear in a number of television programmes, such as, 'To the Manor Reborn', a programme where designers and historical experts renovated the National Trust's Avebury Manor, a quintessentially British manor house. As a period furniture expert, Jonathan is also contributing to a programme on the great cabinet-maker, Thomas Chippendale, scheduled for broadcast next year.

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Information for editors

Images attached (high-res images available on request):

Chippendale Ho Ho Mirror. A carved and giltwood looking glass that combines the genius of Thomas Chippendale and Thomas Johnson. The rectangular mirror plates are flanked by simple moulded columns; their the simplicity ends. The sides are richly carved with trees and branches issuing from tree stumps with inverted urns spilling water. The crestings are surmounted by a Ho Ho bird standing on an acanthus leaf.

The Goodison Fox Sidetable. This table is similar in its bold architectural form to furniture designed by the architect William Kent. The table support is carved and painted to imitate sculpture in marble. The waterleaf, bead and reel mouldings at the top and base suggest that the table was intended for an interior with a strong architectural character. The original of these tables was made for the Palladian entrance hall of Longford Castle circa 1740. 

The Kent Chiswick House Tables. A pair carved in pine and finished in aged gesso. The original tables were designed by William Kent for the Earl of Burlington's Chiswick House in the mid 1720s.

The Morel and Hughes Benches, a pair of ebony and gilt stools. The original Parcel-gilt bronzed wood window seats were an important pair attributed to Morel & Hughes, circa 1810. The padded seats on elongated 'X' supports joined by gathered lotus leaves and with scroll tops ending in turned ivory paterae joined by turned leaf-carved stretchers, on leaf-carved and gadrooned feet.

Dolphin Centre Table is a fine giltwood centre table with specimen marble top inlaid with segments of marble and semi-precious stones including malachite, lapis lazuli, jasper and porphyry with egg-and-dart border. The tripod has upturned dolphin supports and concave-sided triangular plinth incised with ribbon-ties on scrolled feet. The original table has provenance to Stowe, Buckinghamshire, circa 1830. 

For further press information, please contact:

Charlotte Springett, Jonathan Sainsbury Ltd, 26 Old Street, Bailey Gate, Sturminster Marshall

Dorset BH21 4DB. Tel: 01258 857573, mobile: 07769 707905, email: info@jonathan-sainsbury.com  www.jonathan-sainsbury.com