ENGLISH'S ANTIQUE FURNITURE PERIODES Part 1

English furniture styles developed in ways broadly in line with those of mainland L. Europe, but were interpreted in a distinctive fashion. There were also many regional variations within the British Isles - a term that once encompassed England, Wiles, Scotland and Ireland. In England itself, regional accents are marked by the differences between, say, North Country chairs and those of the West Country; Salisbury and Norwi81 were noted centers of production at an early date. Wales retained the dresser and the press cupboard as status symbols long after they had ceased to be fashionable in England, and further distinctions are to be drawn between those of North and South Wales. In late-18thC Scotland, Edinburgh was producing sophisticated furniture, some of it with distinctive differences from that of London. In the mid-18th century, Irish furniture was so extravagant in its use of richly carved mahogany - especially for side tables on cabriole legs - that a whole class is described as 'Irish Chippendale'. If you are an American you will find it useful to understand the broad relationships between British and mainland European styles, and of course vice-versa.

MEDIEVAL
Romanesque Imported to Britain by the Normans following the conquest in 1066. Rounded arches - a typical Romanesque feature - occur on chests as late as the 17 thC, But the few examples still in existence which I date from earlier than 1300 are simply constructed and mostly carved with roundels bearing little relation to Romanesque architecture.

Gothic
About 1300 to 1550. The change from! Romanesque was gradual. Paneled construction from dates from about 1480, the panels were often carved with linen-fold. The coronation chair at Westminster Abbey has a back with a pointed arches made in 1296 by Master Walter of Durham, it was the first English piece firmly attributable to a named maker. The Gothic style was revived in the mid-late C and again in Regency and Vigorian times.

ELIZABETHAN
Renaissance When Elizabeth' came to the throne in 1558, most furniture was functional and plain. After 1570, a version of Renaissance style owing more to France and the Netherlands than to Italy found expression in fat turnings surmounted by Ionic capitals, solid inlay, carved caryatids, strapwork, split baluster turnings.

JACOBEAN
Strictly speaking, the reign of James I, (1603-25 ) but also used to cover that of Charles I (162549). Geometric moldings, split balusters, bobbin-turnings; popular until about 1720.

RESTORATION
Sometimes known as Carolean, in reference to Charles II, restored to the throne in 1660. Also covers the reign of James II, 1685-9. Dominant style is baroque but more Franco-Dutch than Italian. Twist legs, carved scrolls, caned seats and veneering. Skilled French workers sought refuge in Britain when Louis XIV of France ceased to protect Protestants, 1685.