Week Twelve - English Renaissance/Neoclassic

 Early English Renaissance

   The English Period Early Renaissance lasted from around 1550 to 1660. The English Renaissance was split into Early, Middle, and Late Renaissance. Each of these periods was also split into smaller design periods named after the rulers at that time. The Early Renaissance consisted of the Tudor, Elizabethan, Jacobean, and Cromwellian periods. English architecture was the last to be impacted by the Renaissance. The change began in the ornamentation and later affected the form. English architecture was also largely influenced by the climate and materials available. Some ways that climate impacted English architecture can be seen in the Gothic cathedrals. They were designed to shelter the nave and side aisles. French doors were also added going directly into the churches. Windows were also much larger to let in more light and warmth. Stone was used frequently, but the hardness of the stone made ornamentation much more difficult and rare. Roofs were often timbered due to the large amount of oak forests in England.

Gothic Cathedral (more stained glass, darker)

English Renaissance Cathedral (larger windows, more light)

Tudor Period

   The Tudor Period was during the reign of Henry VIII. The king conflicted with the Pope in Rome and became the head of the church of England. Laws suppressed monasteries and increased the building of houses. These were usually built using timber frame construction. The Tudor period focused largely on churches, official buildings, and furnishing programs. Different aspects of a home implied the amount of wealth you had. A fireplace implied a sense of luxury and comfort. 

Tudor Architecture

Modern Tudor Architecture

Elizabethan Period

   The Elizabethan period was a period of great wealth. Many manor and country houses were built. Inigo Jones was a very well-known architect at this time. He is credited with introducing the renaissance to England. His work largely reflects the work of Italian Renaissance architect Palladio. Many building plans with in the shape of an E, C, or H. They usually had gateways, long drives, and formal gardens and parks. The Hardwick Hall began the shift to Renaissance. It contained a great hall, grand staircase, and long gallery with smaller rooms. There were bedrooms, a chapel, and kitchen, all with large windows. 

Hardwick Hall

Early Renaissance Furniture

   During the Tudor period furniture was pretty sparse. It contained box-like chairs, chests, beds, and trestle tables. A trestle table had a thick wood top with four turned and carved legs with heavy stretchers. 

                Trestle Table Early Renaissance                           Modern Trestle Table

   Elizabethen furniture usually made with oak wood until closer to the 17th century when walnut wood became popular. The cupboard was developed at this time. The consisted of a series of shelves covered in the front with doors. The beds during this period were large and luxurious. They were usually the main piece of furniture in the home and used for entertaining. They had large and draped four poster beds with no footboards. 

Elizabethan Four Poster Bed

Modern Four Poster Bed

One Step Further:

   Sir Christopher Wren is the most renowned English architect of all time. He was born on October 30, 1632, and passed away on March 8, 1723. He was an English architect, astronomer, mathematician, and physicist. He is well known for his work in rebuilding 52 churches in the city of London. His most well-known piece was St Paul’s Cathedral on Ludgate Hill. It was completed in 1710. He was also the founder of the Royal Society. His scientific work was highly regarded by Isaac Newton and Blaise Pascal. He was very successful in his multiple fields of study.

Extra Links:

- Early Renaissance in Italy

https://www.britannica.com/art/Western-architecture/Early-Renaissance-in-Italy-1401-95

- Early Renaissance Art and Architecture

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FJitpK3li0