History1SJN: English Restoration Mid-Renaissance

This period was really a revival of English during the middle renaissance. Included in this time period is the restoration of Stuart or Carolean period, William and Mary style, Queen Anne furniture, and the Early Georgian (Chippendale). There were a lot of things going on where the monarch was getting itself straight with a new king. There was a giant fire in 1666 which burned down a large section of London. During the the rebuilding, Sir Christopher Wren set new standards- Baroque Urban design. One of his masterpieces was the St.Paul's Cathedral. As well as other 52 churches which have influenced more designs today.

St Pauls Cathedral

William and Marys style was the baroque style from the French however not with as many details. It all started where Mary Stuart married a dutch man named William lll. They set new standards for furniture such as they were no made for comfort, beautiful furniture in mass proportions, upholstery is now a familiar thing, and walnut is the main material. Other features include the straight turned up leg or cup turned legs, low horizontal x-stretcher, and lacquer work. After William & Mary, there was the Queen Anne furniture. There were a lot of developments in social living such as parlor games and tea time. Queen Anne brought simpler interiors with paper or silk on the walls. Also comes the introduction of the cabriole leg as the furniture became smaller, lighter and more comfortable.

Wing Chair

Modern Winsor Chair

Lastly, Chippendale was the first man to give a name to furniture style not in Monarch. He was a great furniture designer who wrote a book widely used today. His furniture was seen as rare. His style was rococo prevalent but orient and medival was an evident influence as well. Also there were some attributes very similar to the Queen Anne style.