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A free publication from:

A basic illustrated timeline of the styles of Period English


Antiques. From the Tudor's to the Edwardian Days.

1485-1918
Furniture Period: Tudor 1485-1565
Styles & Inuences: English Renaissance, Gothic, Italianate, Flemish
Period King/Queen: Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary
When King Henry VII came to the throne 1485, the event signified the end of the Middle (Medieval) ages. It marked a
brighter new era for England and the historic beginning of the English Renaissance.

Tudor Furniture Characteristics


Made of Oak, heavy, strong, detailed and uncomfortable furniture.

Similar to medieval and gothic furniture periods preceding it.

Often decorated with tapestries, embroidery, carpets, and fabrics.

Very rare as only a few rich people in the 1500's could afford such luxuries.

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Furniture Period: Jacobean 1603-1645
Styles & Inuences: English Renaissance, Gothic, Italianate, Flemish
Period King/Queen: James I, Charles I
After having difficulties working with Walnut, the Jacobean period saw a move back to Oak. Not as square as previous
Oak pieces they remained inward looking, without not fully embracing exotic influences, and its ornamentation became
less prominent, more ordered and uniform, this was the last era of wax based finishes.

Jacobean Furniture Characteristics


Relief carvings of geometric or floral motifs

Solid and sturdy, made of Oak.

Influenced many early American pilgrims.

Accentuated mouldings used to divide areas into geometric shapes

The wax used to preserve the pieces has built up an aged dark oak lustre.

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Furniture Period: The Commonwealth (Puritan) 1649-1660
Styles & Inuences: English Renaissance, Gothic, Italianate, Flemish
Period King/Queen: Oliver Cromwell
After England breaks out into civil war, leadership is overturned marking a new era, 'The Commonwealth' producing
Cromwellian or puritan furniture. This era stands alone in the history of English furniture, moving away from the the
Gothic styles we begin to see more ancient and classical forms of decoration, although the period continues to differ
from foreign influences.

Puritan Furniture Characteristics


Wood carving and upholstery was rarely used.

Sharp, angular, a simple practical styling.

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Furniture Period: The Restoration period (Carolean) 1649-1685
Styles & Inuences: Baroque, Dutch, Flemish, French
Period King/Queen: Charles II, James II
The Carolean or Restoration period brought the traditional aspects of English furniture back in line with European
styles. It was also during this era that the ancient art of 'French polishing,' was beginning to be experimented with. It
would be another 100 years before the process was mastered.

Restoration Furniture Characteristics


Restoration furniture was decorative and colourful.

Veneer and marquetry made advancements to produce detailed designs.

In addition to walnut and oak there was also used olive, white cedar, kingwood, and coromandel among others.

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Furniture Period: William & Mary 1688-1702
Styles & Inuences: Baroque, Dutch, Flemish, French
Period King/Queen: William III, Mary II
Previous eras saw dark, Gothic, primitive and uncomfortable furniture, The William and Mary period gave us bright
insight into what was ahead for English furniture. Great numbers of French and Dutch refugee's came to England, many
of them working in the furniture industry. They brought with them many new techniques that continued to increase
the standards of English furniture.

William and Mary Furniture Characteristics


Oak, declined as Walnut was used widely, Mahogany made its first appearance.
There was also use of kingwood and amboyna for inlay work and ebony

A lot of Dutch and French influences.

Standards improve as we see a greater number of these antiques today.


Furniture Period: Queen Anne 1702-1714
Styles & Inuences: Baroque, Dutch, Flemish, French
Period King/Queen: Anne
By now, English craftsmen have mastered foreign techniques and adapted them to their own. English furniture is now
developing a distinct style and can be compared at par with Italian and French furniture styles.

Queen Anne Furniture Characteristics


Working class people are now more able to own furniture.

Walnut now the wood of choice.

A small amount of Queen Anne furniture was painted white and gilded.

Furniture design is more thought out as the pieces become lighter.

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Furniture Period: Georgian 1714-1820
Styles & Inuences: Palladian, Rococo, French, Gothic, Chinese, Neo-Classical
Period King/Queen: George I, George II, George III
A big change began in this era, the introduction of Mahogany. It would later replace Walnut as the wood of choice.
'Geargian' furniture consisted of a wide variety of styles including Adam, Chippendale, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton.

Georgian Furniture Characteristics


The beginning of Mahogany and Architectural influence.

Consisted of a wide variety of styles.

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Furniture Period: Regency 1820-1837
Styles & Inuences: Egyptian and Greek
Period King/Queen: George IV, William IV
Finally, the long awaited mastering of the technique to apply Shellac to wood, 'French polishing.' Now furniture is
coated with smooth surfaces and intricate veneers are laid. A striking vibrant display of colours are introduced as
knowledge of a variety of wood increases.

Regency Furniture Characteristics


Plain, slender, elegant lines.

Mahogany is continued to be used along with Rosewood and Zebrawood.

Elaborate inlaid marquetry.

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Furniture Period: Victorian 1837-1901
Styles & Inuences: Eclectic, Revivalist, Gothic
Period King/Queen: Victoria
The straight and smooth lines of the Regency period were opposed with a more oval and circular style. Mass produced
furniture had taken a new level and the Victorian style was rapidly welcomed into the homes of many. Later in the
period the demands of mass market would have a negative effect on the quality of the furniture being produced.

Victorian Furniture Characteristics


Oak makes a nationalist comeback for its Englishness.

Mahogany and Rosewood mostly used.

Japanese design shows influence in ebony finishes.

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Furniture Period: Edwardian 1901-1918
Styles & Inuences: Arts & Crafts, Art Furniture,
Period King/Queen: George IV, William IV
Edwardian furniture designers came to the realization that reproductions would outsell anything new or innovative.
During this era the Antique trade was launched and quickly grew as people started buying second hand furniture.

Edwardian Furniture Characteristics


Art Nouveau is given a English interpretation.

Reproduction furniture is produced.

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