Somerset Furniture A Guide to English Furniture History

Somerset furniture is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, timeless designs, and historical significance. From the grandeur of Elizabethan era to the elegance of Georgian style, this article delves into the rich tapestry of English furniture history, providing insights into its evolution, notable styles, and the impact of Somerset furniture on the development of English furniture design.

The county of Somerset, located in southwest England, has a long and storied history of furniture making. With its abundance of natural resources, skilled craftsmen, and a thriving trade network, Somerset emerged as a prominent furniture-producing region. The county's furniture industry flourished during the 16th and 17th centuries, coinciding with a period of great economic and cultural growth in England. Somerset furniture became highly sought after by the aristocracy and wealthy merchants, establishing its reputation for quality and artistry.

As we delve deeper into the history of Somerset furniture, we will explore the defining characteristics of each era, from the ornate carvings of the Tudor period to the refined lines of the Regency style. We will also highlight the contributions of renowned furniture makers and examine how Somerset furniture reflected the social, cultural, and economic changes that shaped English society throughout the ages.

Somerset Furniture

Somerset furniture is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, timeless designs, and historical significance. Originating in the county of Somerset, England, this furniture has played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of English furniture design.

• Tudor: Ornate carvings, geometric patterns
• Jacobean: Bold forms, heavy decoration
• William and Mary: Curved lines, Dutch influence
• Queen Anne: Graceful lines, cabriole legs
• Georgian: Symmetrical proportions, mahogany
• Chippendale: Intricate carvings, rococo motifs
• Hepplewhite: Delicate lines, satinwood
• Sheraton: Straight lines, inlaid decoration
• Regency: Refined lines, brass accents
• Victorian: Ornate carvings, upholstered pieces

Today, Somerset furniture continues to be highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike, embodying the rich heritage and enduring craftsmanship of English furniture making.

Tudor: Ornate carvings, geometric patterns

The Tudor period, spanning from 1485 to 1603, marked a significant era in English furniture history. Tudor furniture was characterized by its intricate carvings, geometric patterns, and a blend of Gothic and Renaissance influences.

• Elaborate Carvings: Tudor furniture showcased a profusion of elaborate carvings, often featuring intricate designs of foliage, animals, and mythical creatures. These carvings added a sense of opulence and grandeur to the furniture pieces.
• Geometric Patterns: Geometric patterns were another prominent feature of Tudor furniture. These patterns were often incorporated into the furniture's panels, moldings, and other decorative elements, creating a sense of order and symmetry.
• Gothic Influence: Tudor furniture retained some of the Gothic influences from the preceding period, such as the use of pointed arches and quatrefoil motifs. These elements added a touch of medieval charm to the furniture.
• Renaissance Influence: The Tudor period also witnessed the growing influence of the Renaissance, which brought about a shift towards more classical forms and motifs. This influence can be seen in the incorporation of pilasters, columns, and other architectural elements into furniture design.

Tudor furniture was predominantly made from oak, which was a readily available and durable material. The furniture was often stained or painted in dark colors, such as black, brown, or green, to enhance the intricate carvings and patterns.

Jacobean: Bold forms, heavy decoration

The Jacobean period, spanning from 1603 to 1688, saw a continuation of the bold and ornate style that had emerged during the Tudor era. Jacobean furniture was characterized by its heavy decoration, exaggerated forms, and a mix of influences from both Gothic and Renaissance styles.

• Bold Forms: Jacobean furniture often featured exaggerated forms, with bulbous legs, scrolled arms, and elaborate finials. These forms added a sense of drama and grandeur to the furniture pieces.
• Heavy Decoration: Jacobean furniture was heavily decorated with carvings, moldings, and other decorative elements. These decorations often incorporated motifs such as acanthus leaves, strapwork, and cherubs.
• Gothic Influence: Jacobean furniture retained some of the Gothic influences from the previous period, such as the use of pointed arches and quatrefoil motifs. However, these elements were often combined with more Renaissance-inspired forms and motifs.
• Renaissance Influence: The Renaissance influence on Jacobean furniture can be seen in the use of classical motifs such as pilasters, columns, and pediments. These elements added a touch of sophistication and elegance to the furniture.

Jacobean furniture was predominantly made from oak, which was a durable and readily available material. The furniture was often stained or painted in dark colors, such as black, brown, or green, to enhance the heavy decoration and bold forms.

William and Mary: Curved lines, Dutch influence

The William and Mary period, spanning from 1688 to 1702, marked a significant shift in English furniture design. Influenced by the Dutch style, William and Mary furniture introduced a new emphasis on comfort, functionality, and curved lines.

One of the most distinctive features of William and Mary furniture is its use of curved lines. This can be seen in the cabriole legs, which are curved outwards from the knee, as well as in the shaped aprons and crest rails. These curved lines create a sense of movement and gracefulness, departing from the more rigid forms of the previous Jacobean period.

Another defining characteristic of William and Mary furniture is the strong influence of Dutch design. This influence can be seen in the use of marquetry, which is the inlay of different colored woods to create decorative patterns. Marquetry was a popular technique in Dutch furniture making, and it was often used to depict scenes of nature or architecture.

William and Mary furniture was also characterized by its use of walnut as the primary wood. Walnut is a durable and attractive wood with a rich, warm color. The use of walnut gave William and Mary furniture a more refined and sophisticated appearance compared to the oak furniture of the previous period.

Overall, William and Mary furniture represents a transitional period in English furniture design, bridging the gap between the heavy, ornate styles of the past and the more elegant, comfortable styles that would emerge in the 18th century.

Queen Anne: Graceful lines, cabriole legs

The Queen Anne period, spanning from 1702 to 1714, marked a continuation of the elegant and comfortable style that had emerged during the William and Mary period. Queen Anne furniture is characterized by its graceful lines, cabriole legs, and a refined use of decorative elements.

• Graceful Lines: Queen Anne furniture is known for its graceful and flowing lines. This can be seen in the curved legs, shaped aprons, and serpentine fronts of many pieces. These lines create a sense of movement and lightness, giving Queen Anne furniture a distinctive elegance.
• Cabriole Legs: Cabriole legs are one of the most iconic features of Queen Anne furniture. These legs are curved outwards from the knee, giving the furniture a sense of movement and dynamism. Cabriole legs are often decorated with carvings or moldings, adding to their visual appeal.
• Shell Motif: The shell motif is another common decorative element in Queen Anne furniture. This motif can be found on the crest rails, aprons, and legs of many pieces. The shell motif is a symbol of fertility and abundance, and it adds a touch of elegance and whimsy to Queen Anne furniture.
• Use of Walnut: Walnut continued to be the primary wood used in Queen Anne furniture. However, other woods, such as mahogany and maple, were also used to create more variety in color and grain patterns.

Queen Anne furniture represents the epitome of early 18th century English furniture design. Its graceful lines, cabriole legs, and refined use of decorative elements make it a timeless and elegant style that continues to be admired today.

Georgian: Symmetrical proportions, mahogany

The Georgian period, spanning from 1714 to 1830, marked a significant era in English furniture design. Georgian furniture is characterized by its symmetrical proportions, use of mahogany, and a refined elegance that reflected the values and tastes of the Georgian era.

• Symmetrical Proportions: Georgian furniture is known for its symmetrical proportions and balanced forms. This can be seen in the rectangular shapes, straight lines, and evenly spaced decorative elements that are common in Georgian furniture. Symmetry was considered a hallmark of good design during this period, and it gives Georgian furniture a sense of order and harmony.
• Use of Mahogany: Mahogany became the most popular wood used in Georgian furniture. Mahogany is a durable and attractive wood with a rich, reddish-brown color. It was imported from the Americas, and its use in furniture was a sign of wealth and status. Mahogany's warm color and beautiful grain patterns made it a perfect choice for the elegant and refined furniture of the Georgian period.
• Carved Details: Georgian furniture often features carved details, such as acanthus leaves, scrolls, and garlands. These carvings add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the furniture, and they were often used to highlight the symmetrical proportions of the piece.
• Upholstered Furniture: Upholstered furniture became more popular during the Georgian period. Chairs, sofas, and settees were often upholstered in rich fabrics, such as velvet, silk, and damask. Upholstered furniture added a touch of comfort and luxury to Georgian interiors.

Georgian furniture represents the epitome of 18th century English furniture design. Its symmetrical proportions, use of mahogany, and refined elegance make it a timeless and sophisticated style that continues to be admired today.

Chippendale: Intricate carvings, roreferer=""n

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Hepplewhite: Delicate lines, satinwood

The Hepplewhite period, spanning from 1770 to 1790, marked a departure from the elaborate style of Chippendale. Hepplewhite furniture is characterized by its delicate lines, satinwood construction, and a refined elegance that reflected the taste of the late 18th century.

• Delicate Lines: Hepplewhite furniture is known for its delicate lines and graceful curves. This can be seen in the tapered legs, shaped aprons, and serpentine fronts of many Hepplewhite pieces. Hepplewhite believed that furniture should be both beautiful and functional, and his designs reflect this philosophy.
• Satinwood Construction: Satinwood was the most popular wood used in Hepplewhite furniture. Satinwood is a light-colored wood with a fine grain and a beautiful sheen. It was imported from India, and its use in furniture was a sign of wealth and status. Satinwood's delicate color and smooth texture made it a perfect choice for the elegant and refined furniture of the Hepplewhite period.
• Shield Back Chairs: Shield back chairs are one of the most iconic pieces of Hepplewhite furniture. These chairs are characterized by their shield-shaped back splats, which are often decorated with delicate carvings or pierced fretwork. Shield back chairs were popular for both dining and drawing rooms, and they remain popular today.
• Upholstered Furniture: Hepplewhite furniture often featured upholstered seats and backs. Upholstery was used to add comfort and luxury to the furniture, and it was often made from rich fabrics, such as silk, velvet, and damask.

Hepplewhite furniture represents the epitome of late 18th century English furniture design. Its delicate lines, satinwood construction, and refined elegance make it a timeless and sophisticated style that continues to be admired today.

Sheraton: Straight lines, inlaid decoration

The Sheraton period, spanning from 1790 to 1820, marked a further departure from the elaborate styles of Chippendale and Hepplewhite. Sheraton furniture is characterized by its straight lines, inlaid decoration, and a refined elegance that reflected the taste of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

One of the most distinctive features of Sheraton furniture is its use of straight lines. This can be seen in the rectangular shapes, tapered legs, and straight aprons of many Sheraton pieces. Sheraton believed that simplicity and functionality were essential elements of good design, and his furniture reflects this philosophy.

Another defining characteristic of Sheraton furniture is its inlaid decoration. Inlaid decoration involves the use of different colored woods or other materials to create decorative patterns on the surface of the furniture. Sheraton was a master of inlay, and his furniture often features intricate and beautiful inlaid designs.

Sheraton furniture was often made from mahogany, satinwood, or rosewood. These woods were chosen for their beautiful grain patterns and their ability to take inlay well. Sheraton also used contrasting woods to create striking visual effects, such as using light-colored satinwood inlay on dark mahogany.

Overall, Sheraton furniture represents the epitome of late 18th and early 19th century English furniture design. Its straight lines, inlaid decoration, and refined elegance make it a timeless and sophisticated style that continues to be admired today.

Regency: Refined lines, brass accents

The Regency period, spanning from 1811 to 1820, marked a transition from the elegant and refined style of Sheraton to the more elaborate and ornate style of Victorian furniture. Regency furniture is characterized by its refined lines, brass accents, and a mix of influences from both classical and Gothic styles.

• Refined Lines: Regency furniture is known for its refined lines and graceful curves. This can be seen in the tapered legs, shaped aprons, and serpentine fronts of many Regency pieces. Regency furniture was designed to be both beautiful and functional, and its refined lines reflect this philosophy.
• Brass Accents: Brass accents are another distinctive feature of Regency furniture. Brass was used to decorate furniture in a variety of ways, such as on drawer pulls, handles, and feet. Brass accents added a touch of elegance and sophistication to Regency furniture, and they helped to highlight the furniture's refined lines.
• Mix of Influences: Regency furniture shows a mix of influences from both classical and Gothic styles. This can be seen in the use of classical motifs, such as columns and pediments, as well as Gothic motifs, such as pointed arches and quatrefoil designs. Regency furniture designers skillfully combined these influences to create a unique and distinctive style.
• Use of Mahogany: Mahogany continued to be the most popular wood used in Regency furniture. Mahogany's rich color and beautiful grain patterns made it a perfect choice for the elegant and refined furniture of the Regency period.

Regency furniture represents the epitome of early 19th century English furniture design. Its refined lines, brass accents, and mix of influences make it a timeless and sophisticated style that continues to be admired today.

Victorian: Ornate carvings, upholstered pieces

The Victorian period, spanning from 1837 to 1901, marked a significant departure from the refined and elegant styles of the Regency period. Victorian furniture is characterized by its ornate carvings, upholstered pieces, and a mix of influences from both Gothic and Rococo styles.

• Ornate Carvings: Victorian furniture is known for its elaborate and ornate carvings. These carvings were often inspired by nature, and they featured a variety of motifs, such as flowers, leaves, scrolls, and animals. Victorian furniture makers used carving to add a sense of richness and grandeur to their pieces.
• Upholstered Pieces: Upholstered furniture was another prominent feature of the Victorian period. Chairs, sofas, and ottomans were often upholstered in rich fabrics, such as velvet, silk, and damask. Upholstered furniture added a touch of comfort and luxury to Victorian interiors, and it helped to create a more inviting and comfortable atmosphere.
• Mix of Influences: Victorian furniture shows a mix of influences from both Gothic and Rococo styles. This can be seen in the use of Gothic motifs, such as pointed arches and quatrefoil designs, as well as Rococo motifs, such as curved lines and asymmetrical forms. Victorian furniture designers skillfully combined these influences to create a unique and distinctive style.
• Use of Mahogany: Mahogany continued to be a popular wood used in Victorian furniture, but other woods, such as walnut, rosewood, and oak, were also used. Victorian furniture makers often used different woods to create contrasting effects, and they also used veneers and inlays to add further decoration.

Victorian furniture represents the epitome of mid-19th century English furniture design. Its ornate carvings, upholstered pieces, and mix of influences make it a distinctive and memorable style that continues to be admired today.

FAQ

Tips

Tip 1: Consider your needs. Before you start shopping for garden furniture, take some time to think about your needs. How will you be using the furniture? Will you be entertaining guests? Relaxing with a book? Dining al fresco? Once you know how you'll be using the furniture, you can start to narrow down your choices.

Tip 2: Choose the right materials. Garden furniture is made from a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Wood is a classic choice that is durable and stylish, but it requires regular maintenance. Metal furniture is also durable and easy to care for, but it can be hot to the touch in the sun. Plastic furniture is lightweight and affordable, but it can be less durable than other materials. Rattan furniture is a good choice for outdoor spaces because it is weather-resistant and comfortable.

Tip 3: Pay attention to comfort. If you'll be spending a lot of time in your garden furniture, it's important to choose pieces that are comfortable. Look for furniture with supportive cushions and adjustable backs. You may also want to consider adding some throw pillows for extra comfort.

Tip 4: Don't forget about style. Garden furniture should not only be functional, but it should also be stylish. Choose pieces that complement your outdoor décor and create a cohesive look.

Conclusion