Regency Furniture (1811-1830) 19th Century J. Byrne 2014

Regency (1811-1830) Regency followed a style in France after the coronation of Napoleon as Emperor (Empire Style). During this period the middle class became richer after the war and furniture was bought as a fashion. Brass decoration was popular about 1805 but by 1820 brass inlay had being replaced by boxwood, ebony etc. Wood used Mahogany, rosewood & Ebony Prince George became Regent from 1811-1820 this was a period of classical furniture. He led a full scale revival of Louis XIV & Louis XV especially the Boulle work. Fashion was to copy actual furniture of the classical Roman and Greek times. If they were not identically copied, they were made as close as possible to the classical decoration forms. J. Byrne 2014

Regency (1811-1820) Winged Griffins, lions heads, animal legs, Roman Gods: anything that was popular in ancient Rome, Egypt or Greece. Furniture had moved from natural evolution to return to Classical form. The settee returned to a couch with scrolled ends supported by sphinx heads on lions legs. Designers who distinguished themselves in this period were Henry Holland, Thomas Hope and George Smith. George IV had a large influence over the craftsmen of the time. The pinnacled, mosque like Pavilion at Brighton, England reflects some of the final madness of this period. J. Byrne 2014

Features of Regency Furniture Brass inlays were longer lasting than marquetry and this lead to the revival of French Boulle decorations. Sabre Leg Metal Grille Commode was replaced by the chiffionier – straight front low cupboard Cheaper pieces sometimes painted with black lacquer -revival of japanning The current fashion was for decorating walls with paintings which led to lower pieces. Tallboys disappeared and bookcases and cabinets became smaller. Wide use of metal mounts, lion paw feet, fretted brass grilles cover glass doors, pierced galleries, supports for shelves. Ormolu – imitation gold. J. Byrne 2014

Features of Regency Furniture Chest with front pilasters of classic forms, sphinx head on animal legs or caryatid – female figure. Scrolled end couches. Wooden frame often gilded. Circular tables, some with marble tops, stood on plinth base with animal feet. Sabre shape legs decorated with reeding or brass inlay. Brass boss used at junction of leg and rail. Trafalgar chair used in mourning, death of Nelson. Cable twist, Novelties – Canterbury to carry music or plates Whatnot to display small pieces. Davenport small writing desk. Sofa Tables – long narrow table with a drop leaf at each end and two drawers. J. Byrne 2014

Regency Style Reeding Rosewood side cabinet with gilt features and silk lined grille doors Scroll end sofa with gold satin stripe Images courtesy of Georgian regency interiors J. Byrne 2014

Regency Style Rosewood whatnot Trafalgar Chair Trafalgar Chair J. Byrne 2014

Henry Holland (1745-1806) Holland was one of the leading English Georgian architects of the period who designed interiors and furniture in both the French and the Greco-Roman styles and therefore a key figure in the introduction of late 18th century French Neo-classicism into English furniture design. After studying architecture he became the partner of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown in 1771 whose daughter he married and with whom he built Claremont House in Esher, Surrey (1771-4). He was later employed by the Prince of Wales, the future Prince Regent. The Prince took an avid interest in new architectural trends and in 1787 commissioned Holland to build the Marine Pavilion in Brighton. J. Byrne 2014

Henry Holland A very fine Regency rosewood and parcel gilt display cabinet of grand proportions, attributed to Henry Holland. Images courtesy of Georgian regency interiors J. Byrne 2014

Henry Holland Holland evolved an elegant Neo-classical style to rival that of Robert Adam, as can be seen at Brooks's Club, 60 St James’ Street, London (1776- 8). The success of this building made his name known in aristocratic circles and he designed a number of pleasing country houses, including Berrington Hall, near Leominster, Herefordshire (1778-81). He was also responsible for the remodelling of Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire (1787-1802) . Holland was commissioned by King George to design the interiors of Carlton House his stately home. Most of Holland's furniture designs were never published and those which have survived are few. Holland died at a time when Classicism had re- established itself. In the year following his death, this style was continued under Thomas Hope and his publication in 1807 of 'Household Furniture and Interior Decoration'. J. Byrne 2014

Henry Holland Images courtesy of Georgian regency interiors J. Byrne 2014

Thomas Hope (1769- 1831) Thomas Hope was a well travelled & wealthy man he became widely influential as a collector, patron, architect & furniture designer. Egyptian styles were coming into fashion. He used winged or crouching lions, hieroglyphics, sphinx, crocodiles & lotus buds. His book “ Household Furniture & Interior Decoration “ 1807 influenced many British Cabinetmaker. He published many more. J. Byrne 2014

Thomas Hope J. Byrne 2014

Thomas Hope Sofa Side Table Chair J. Byrne 2014

Thomas Hope Style Images courtesy of Georgian regency interiors J. Byrne 2014

George Smith (1800 - 1830) George smith published loads of books his first with the same name “Household Furniture & Interior Decoration “ in 1804, 2nd edition in 1808. His last “The Cabinet Makers & Upholsters Guide “1828 His designs were influenced by Thomas Hope but less classical. His style catered for Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Chinese & Gothic alike. His pieces tended to be over-adorned with Egyptian motifs, sphinxes, palm leaves, leopards, lions & griffins. He is also noted for having circular tables with carved gilded Dolphins pillars. J. Byrne 2014

George Smith Armchair painted bronze green & gilded Gothic style Bookcase Empire Chair made in Egyptian style Empire Chair J. Byrne 2014

George Smith Gothic style Bench Gothic style chair from his book J. Byrne 2014

George Smith Throne chair Egyptian style chairs from his book J. Byrne 2014

George Smith Ebonised and gilded chair Ebonised and gilded side table Images courtesy of Georgian regency interiors J. Byrne 2014

References http://georgianregencyinteriors.wordpres s.com/2012/01/17/spotting-a-regency- piece-of-furniture-to-work-within-your- home/ J. Byrne 2014