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ARTTUS: Period Interiors Glossary
The Tudor Gothic Period
From the end of the 15th Century to 1560
The late 15th & 16th Centuries were, in many respects, the most remarkable in the advance of design. This Renaissance which had previously swept the Continent had now reached England. Its effect on architecture and interior treatment of rooms was brought about partly through increased communications with Continent and the marked preference shown by Henry V111 foreign skilled craftsmen. Its early influences were confined to the decoration of existing buildings or those being built in the traditional gothic manner, which was still the only one known to the English. The motifs introduced by foreign workers were imitated by native craftsmen.
One of the finest examples of this period is Hampton Court Palace, built by Cardinal Wolsey between 1514 and 1528. This was an early example of Symmetry being displayed in both the architecture and gardens.
Elizabethan Period
1558 - 1603
The Renaissance lead gently into the Elizabethan period, when architecture and interior design became more elaborate, but also incorporated elements of comfort. Classic Greek and Roman architecture was admired by the Elizabethans and sometimes great columns framed the entrances of many Elizabethan houses.
One of the finest examples of Elizabethan architecture is the magnificent Hardwick Hall. This palacial building is four storey’s high and much is made of the fine plasterwork and the many glass windows. Hardwick Hall was built by the Countess of Shrewsbury , the second most powerful woman in Elizabethan England.
Whilst the wealthy used stone and brick for their houses timber and wattle was still used for the lower class houses.
Jacobean Period
1603 - 1642
The Jacobean era is named after James 1st and his son Charles 1st who belonged to the Stuart family.
The Jacobean furniture period inspired much of the early American furniture of the pilgrims . Although similar to Elizabethan furniture in that it was still largely made in oak and of solid sturdy construction, its ornamentation became less prominent and applied in a more ordered fashion. A highlight of this period was the upholstered chair in particular the Farthingale joined back stool and an upholstered lounge chair to seat 2-3 , made between 1610-20 at Knole House in Kent which became the prototype for a style that became known as the Knole Settee. Also carpets were introduced from Persia and Turkey adding another element of comfort to the Jacobean interior.
Charles 1st was more cultured than his father and took much interest in the furnishings of his palaces and mansions and especially in the collection of great art and paintings. Included in this collection were
Portraits by Van Dyke, Vermeer and Rembrandt, many are still held in the Royal collection as a great reminder of the Stuart dynasty.
The Commonwealth
1649 - 1660
In 1642 war broke out between the English Parliament led by Oliver Cromwell and King Charles 1st. Cromwell established a republic which lasted from 1649 – 1660. This was an extremely austere time which resulted in sharper more angular furniture with less decoration and little use of upholstery. The Puritan furniture in Cromwell’s England was a country farmhouse style, produced in a Calvanistic atmosphere where utility took precedence over comfort. The inevitable reaction against it came in the Restoration period.