During the reign of James I, most handmade furniture was made of oak and was limited to joint stools, chairs with plain or spiral turned legs, chests, and long trestle tables. Decoration was confined to elaborate carving on chairs, chests, and settees.
The aristocracy of Wales and Scotland tended to follow the lead of the dominant English court style.
Foreign Influences
During the reign of Charles I, craftsmen from France, Italy, and the Low Countries came to work on state apartments and grand houses. Influenced by designs from the Low Countries, English furniture, now reproduction furniture, was more restrained than Italian Baroque pieces.
Upholstered furniture was made for grand houses and apartments. Chairs generally had quite low, square backs, upholstered with tapestry or leather, and armchairs had seat cushions and padded arms covered with upholstery. Settees were often made as part of a suit with matching chairs.
The Restoration
Furniture, and fitted furniture, was commonly made of plain woods such as oak, ash, elm or beach under Oliver Cromwell, whose government did not condone lavish displays of ornament, but the situation did change after the restoration of the monarchy in 1660.
Charles II had spent his exile in Europe and bought back the latest fashions to England. Court life under Charles II was far less formal, creating a demand for small folding tables, card tables, and gateleg dining tables. Walnut became the most popular wood, and techniques such as veneering and caning were fashionable. Caned furniture with twist-turned frames was considered quintessentially English.
High-Backed Side Chairs
Made from imported walnut, these chairs, with there carved and pierced back splat, is similar to engravings published by Marot. They have cabriole legs terminating in 'horse-bone' feet, but has stretchers.
Hall Chair
This chair is based on the Italian sgabello design, The oak is carved and painted, with a shell-shaped back and pendant mask with swags on the front. c.1635
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