Week Thirteen - English Late Renaissance Furniture

 Adam Style

   The Adam Style was an 18th century neoclassical style of interior design and architecture that was practiced by Scottish architect William Adam. His sons Robert and James also practiced this style. During the English Late Renaissance period, which lasted from around 1750 to 13830, Robert Adam used this style. Robert Adam was a neoclassical architect, interior designer, and furniture maker. He rejected the Palladian style of Indigo Jones. The Adam style was a revival of interest in the arts of Greece and Rome. It used Greek and Etruscan vases and antiques. It was also a reaction to the French Rococo period. The Adam style worked with all elements of interior design including furniture, light fixtures, floor coverings, textiles, and more.

Adam Style Interiors

   The Adam style started as more bold and masculine in design in response to the Rococo design. Later it became more delicate and feminine in design. The Adam style had many architectural effects such as classical columns and pilasters, entablatures, arch forms, domes, and panels ornamented with classical motifs. Its walls mainly used classical architectural devices. Panels were usually sunk into the walls with painted arabesques on them. The ceilings were often delicate with Roman stucco decoration of octagons, ellipses, and fans. Surfaces were often painted and decorated. It was an extremely formal style with symmetrical designs and unity. The furniture was often made in satinwood. 

Adam Style Chairs

   During the Adam style, color returned to the interiors of buildings. Ceilings were often tinted our painted. Colors included pale greens, creams, purple, or faded rose. Floors were usually polished oak or carpets that complimented the ceiling design. Fireplaces were often smaller and not the focal point of the room. Mirrors were also very popular at this time. They were usually oval in a flat, reeded molding. The frames were usually painted metal. They usually had open delicate designs with a dainty urn or finial on the top. Fabrics were also very popular during the Adam style. Different styles such as moire, brocade, satin, stripes, and toile. 

Adam Style Mirrors

Modern Mirrors

Adam Style Fabrics

Modern Fabrics

George Hepplewhite

   George Hepplewhite was a cabinet and furniture maker. He did not become famous until after his death. His wife is accredited with his fame for after his death, she constructed a book of 300 of his designs. The book was entitled “Cabinet Maker and Upholstery’s Guide”. Hepplewhite’s designs brought neoclassic style which is still used today. The Hepplewhite style lasted from around 1765 to 1820. The characteristics of this design included designs like ribbons, fluting, vases, and festoons. It popularized the use of satinwood and the use of banding with different woods. Doors did not have glass but instead were gild with mesh, fabric, or painted designs. Some of his most popular designs included the sideboard table and Pembroke table. Hepplewhite also invented the washtable.

Hepplewhite Pembroke Table

            Hepplewhite Sideboard Table                                  Modern Sideboard Table

One Step Further:

   Thomas Sheraton was a very popular furniture designer in the 18th century. He was one of the main 3 furniture designers of this time along with Thomas Chippendale and George Hepplewhite. Sheraton’s furniture design was characterized by a feminine refinement of late Georgian styles. Thomas Sheraton was born in England in 1751. He was a leader and preacher in the Stockton Baptist church. He also worked as a journeyman cabinet maker until he moved to London at the age of 39. There he became a professional designer, consultant, and teacher. He also produced many books on cabinet design and drawings. He designed the kidney-shaped desk and folding furniture. He passed away on October 22, 1806.

Extra Links:

• The Adam Style

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Robert-Adam/The-Adam-style

• The History of Fabric

https://blog.patra.com/2014/07/03/the-history-of-fabric/