Glossary of Antiques terms

Pinxton - (Porcelain England,Factory)

Pinxton - (Porcelain, England, Factory) A small porcelain factory was established at Pinxton, Derbyshire, by William Billingsley in 1796, perhaps in partnership with John Coke, on whose estate the factory was situated. Coke almost certainly provided the capital to launch the enterprise. Billingsley pulled out in 1801 but the factory continued in being till about 1812, latterly under the management, perhaps ownership, of John Cutts, a painter responsible for much of the decoration. Most of the porcelain produced, mainly table wares and small vases, was in the style of Derby; but after Billingslry left there was a considerable deterioration. Output was always small and Pinxton porcelain is accordingly scarce. A large headed arrow is a recurring mark.

Pinewood - (Wood)

Pinewood - (Wood) Timber from a genus of resin-producing trees, having a straight grain and being easy to work. Little used before the Restoration, it was employed for carcase work in veneer furniture and for such carved and gilt furniture as picture frames and cabinet-stands. During the eighteenth century it was used a good deal for carvers' pieces.

Pinchbeck - (Metal)

Pinchbeck - (Metal) An alloy (comprising chiefly zinc and copper) of a gold colour invented by the London clock-maker Christopher Pinchbeck, the only Maker of the True and genuine metal, which, it was claimed, was not to be distinguished by the nicest eye from real gold. It was used for many small items in the eighteenth century.

Pilaster - (Architecture Furniture)

Pilaster - (Architecture, Furniture) A rectangular pillar engaged in a wall and projecting only a fraction of its breadth. Carried over from architecture to furniture, pilasters are employed at corners of bureau, cabinets, etc., also to divide fronts and frame doors.

Pier Table - (Furniture)

Pier Table - (Furniture) A table meant to stand against the wall between windows. Many are D-shaped. The pier table is a form of side table which, like the pier glass (see last entry), dates from the beginning of the eighteenth century.

Pier Glass - (Mirror)

Pier Glass - (Mirror) A mirror made to hang in the wall space between windows. Usually in pairs, they were tall and narrow, the frames often gilded and carved. They date from the beginning of the eighteenth century.

Pierced Ware - (Pottery Porcelain)

Pierced Ware - (Pottery, Porcelain) Pottery in which the decoration is pierced right through the ware, a specialty at Leeds from the 1760's, but practiced at many Staffordshire potteries too. The inspiration derives from such decoration on silver.