Elmer Jacobi
Styles from civilizations like ancient Greece and contemporary Japan contributed to the evolution of British furniture during the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries especially, resulting in a wide array of designs and techniques. Despite international influences, furniture pieces produced in Britain have always stood apart from their counterparts made in mainland Europe, North America, and Asia. In general, British designers and furniture makers stressed the importance of interpreting each style “correctly” and with an eye to balanced proportion and harmony. British pieces made in the Neo-Classical style, for example, reveal a keener interest in accurately reconstructing ancient Greek and Roman furniture. On the other hand, British Rococo pieces represent a concerted attempt to produce less extravagant forms than those found in movement furniture from France or Italy. Nonetheless, there is a wide variety available in today’s market, making British furniture a coveted, customizable addition to virtually any interior space.
This era of design began when King James I inherited the crown of England from Queen Elizabeth and resulted in large, boxy furniture meant to last several generations. King Charles II ascended to the throne after a period of monarchical upheaval in England, bringing with him French and Dutch Baroque inspiration from his time in exile.
It continued to be lighter and more designed than previous eras, featuring curved shapes, cabriole legs, cushioned seats, and padded feet, but ornamentation is minimal.
The importation of mahogany from Central and South America led to its replacing walnut as the primary wood in furniture-making during the Georgian era.
Designer Thomas Chippendale rose to prominence during the period, which was identified by straight forms with intricate low-relief ornamentation. Like its art, Rococo furniture was influenced by nature and characterized by playful designs including acanthus leaves, S- and C-scrolls, and decorative borders.
Its elaborate decoration encourages viewers to gaze upon Rococo furniture with wandering eyes, reveling in the seemingly unbridled patterns adorning the objects. Concerns about the need to return to social and religious conservatism necessitated stylistic changes that not only affected the art and architecture of the period but also drastically altered the appearance of furniture.
Decorative elements, such as floral details, finials, heraldic motifs, and linenfold designs, frequently adorned the objects’ surfaces.
In addition to hearkening back to the religiosity and traditionalism of the Middle Ages, furniture made in the Gothic Revival style also fed into nostalgic ideas about the romance and chivalry of medieval Britain.
The evolution of the style is visible in the details of Gothic Revival objects – earlier pieces are more whimsical and delicate, whereas later examples are more boldly carved and colorful. Key designers: Sir William Chambers, James Stuart, Robert Adam, George Hepplewhite, and Thomas Sheraton
The objects are typically more extravagant than Regency pieces, but they still favor straight lines, twisted fluting, and classicizing motifs. They were often made to complement a Neo-Classical interior space, resulting in an overarching aesthetic marked by clean lines, elegant forms, and sophisticated details reminiscent of ancient splendor. Inspired by recent discoveries of ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian artifacts, Regency furniture is characterized by a strict interpretation of archaeological finds, or “pure forms.” Defining features of Regency furniture include flat surfaces, delicately painted and/or veneered wood, metal inlay, and classicizing motifs like rosettes, lion masks, and metal paw feet. The contributions of John Ruskin and William Morris in particular were paramount and led to a greater appreciation for manual construction and the creative act of design.
British furniture made in the Arts and Crafts style typically featured rectilinear and angular forms and pared down, stylized motifs evocative of medieval, Islamic, and Japanese design. Developments closer to England also played an important role, with Irish furniture makers emphasizing the significance of sophisticated, hand-carved designs.
In Scotland, influential figures such as Christopher Dresser contributed to the flowering of the Glasgow style, which incorporated elements of the Celtic Revival into the Arts and Crafts movement. While the two styles have much in common, like an interest in organic forms and handmade artisanship, Art Nouveau was considered more luxurious and decorative. This is due in large part to the influence of Chinese, Persian, and other Eastern styles, which contributed to the exotic yet refined decoration of Art Nouveau. In London, the popularity of the Liberty Department, which made shopping for furniture appealing and accessible to consumers, reflected growing demands to fill entire interiors with Art Nouveau pieces.
Furniture made in this style varies significantly, although common features include elongated and curvy lines, stylized flowers and other organic forms, dark woods, and eye-catching decorative materials, such as semi-precious stones, stained glass, reflective shells, and gold leaf. Its use in England was limited but notable, as the style’s distinct geometrical lines and decorative flourishes make pieces immediately recognizable.
