Are you addicted to Downton Abbey ? In case you don't know Downton Abbey, it is the PBS series on Masterpiece -- the story of an English family led by the Earl of Grantham before, during and after the First World War.
What is it that brings us back with anticipation every Sunday night? I can't wait to get immersed once again with the Crawley family at Downton. Will Mary end up with Matthew? Will Mr. Bates be cleared of his murder charge? These questions bring us back in the fashion of a soap opera, but no soap operas were ever as grand as this series.
Part of the the draw to the series must be the house, the fashion, the relationship between the aristocracy and their servants, as well as the history we see unfold. Perhaps we fantasize about living at that time and in that way.
Beyond the interesting characters and their stories we notice the furnishings of this grand estate. Though the period is the early 1900's, we see fine examples of 18th century English furniture of the highest quality and craftsmanship.
Maitland-Smith has English roots going back over 30 years to a London antiques dealer who began the company primarily to reproduce 18th century dining chairs. These classic designs of Chippendale and Hepplewhite continue to be produced by our artisans today.
This dining chair is one of the older ones in our line. Notice the handcarved details of the Chippendale-inspired side chair and the cabriole legs with ball and claw feet. It would certainly fit in at Downton.
Inspiration for the drop-leaf end table is Hepplewhite. With hand-inlaid marquetry, it is also a beautiful example of fine English furniture.
Few of us live as the Crawley's do, but we can furnish our homes with antique reproductions of exceptional English pieces.
Elegant and distinctive pieces for your home today, with quality and style to last a lifetime.... Do you have a Maitland-Smith treasure? www.maitland-smith.com
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