Although mahogany as a wood of choice for cabinet makers had been introduced into Britain quite early on in the 18th century, walnut also continued to be used. However, severe shortages due to overuse of walnut by cabinet makers in Britain, and severe blights in France, resulted in French embargoes on exports to Britain, and by 1750 mahogany was being used as a fine alternative to walnut for the best cabinetry.
One of the main advantages of mahogany was its close grain, its durability, colouration and fine patina. The girth of trees were wide which allowed for large flat surfaces used for tables and wardrobes, plus ‘flame’ and other attractive figurations made it ideal for decorative veneering. There were two main varieties used, called ‘Spanish’ and ‘Jamaican’, which came from the West Indies and Cuba.
Satinwood, imported from Puerto Rico from 1760 onwards, provided a much lighter alternative to mahogany and other woods such as kingwood, rosewood, purplewood and ebony were imported to create exquisite antique marquetry furniture decorations on the (more…)