ENGLAND - Palata umetnosti Madlena

17 century

In this period, most furniture was made of oakwood, which was easily available in many parts of the country. The rise of the middle class resulted in a larger demand for household interior elements, which meant larger-scale production of top-quality furniture which was frequently artistically decorated. In late 17 century, furniture became more comfortable and more sophisticated in decoration. Furniture for wealthier families was frequently made of mahogany or ebony, and was decorated in new manners. Cavities in carved wood were filled with mother-of-pearl. At that time, the technique of varnishing had just arrived in England, so objects were varnished in bright colours.

18 century – the period of George II and George III

Chippendale became one of exquisite styles of 18 century. Furniture in this style was mostly made of mahogany, although walnut wood and maple wood was also used. The popularity of Oriental design in Europe inspired Chippendale to use oriental motifs on elaborately ornamented varnished furniture.

19 century – the Georgian – Victorian period

The period of classical furniture is connected to the time of advent of Prince George IV to the throne as regent from 1881 to 1820. Regency furniture is primarily a combination of the neo-classicist ancient style and style Empire, which was later joined by elements of the Georgian style, elaborate and picturesque.

The Regency style continued the same tradition in the course of the reign of King William IV. In became fashionable to copy classical Roman and Greek furniture with ornaments shaped as lion’s heads, winged gryphons, Roman gods, and similar. Mahogany was still used by most furniture manufacturers, while brass was used for decoration, in combination with rosewood veneers, which provided striking effects.

In the early Victorian period, furniture manufacturers started using iron, especially for bedroom furniture. Victorian furniture from mid-19 century was shinier, while luxurious covers became the main factor in design. As comfort became more important, light chairs, sofas, and Recamier sofas were introduced.

20 century – the Edwardian period

Furniture of the Edwardian era was mostly based on reproduction of earlier styles which were mass-manufactured, as use of machines was in full swing. Mahogany was still popular, although walnut wood and oakwood were also introduced. Also, besides the Edwardian, the Victorian style, characterized by somewhat darker tones, was much present in the decorative art in England throughout 20 century.

Contemporary period

Even nowadays, the impact of Chippendale may be observed in the modern design and production of furniture. The museum collection comprises two mirrors made of gilt wood designed in the same style, as modern items of the 18^th century esthetics.
Pair of mirrors made of gilt wood – modern period after Chippendale.