Blog Post #13 - English Late Renaissance

 

The English Late Renaissance was defined by three major designers that each established guiding principles and norms for their design period. First, Robert Adam employed the concept of movement in many of his designs while utilizing classical forms such as columns, pilasters, and entablatures. Adam painted ceilings and walls pale green or crème and matched the carpet patterns to the ceiling designs. He also created satin wood shield back chairs and elaborate mirrors. Next, cabinet and furniture maker George Hepplewhite used satinwood and neoclassic devices to create unique furniture. He designed tables with sideboards and numerous legs. Hepplewhite’s signature chairs featured slender legs, spade feet, and oval, shield, or heart shaped backs. Lastly, Thomas Sheraton was a furniture maker whose style was almost identical to the Louis XVI style. The only ornamentation on his works were inlay, marquetry, and painted designs. Sheraton’s signature chairs were very similar to Hepplewhite chairs, except the back was square shaped.

Robert Adam: Pulteney Bridge

Robert Adam: Syon House

 

Robert Adam: Syon House

Thomas Sheraton: shield back chairs

 

Thomas Sheraton: Pedestal Desk

A modern heart-backed chair is more representational and playful than its Renaissance version.

A modern twist on the pedestal desk.

A new interpretation of Adam’s sage green walls with pink accents.

 

 

 

 

 

One Step Further

George Hepplewhite is one of the most famous designers of the 1700s, but he was not widely recognized during his lifetime. He opened a furniture shop in London, but he died in 1786 and his widow, Alice, continued the shop and published his designs in The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer’s Guide. Hepplewhite had a distinctive style that involved slender, curvilinear, and well-balanced forms. He created many chairs with shield backs or heart-shaped backs, as seen in the images below.

 

 

 

 

Closing Reflection

Overall, this design period involved a renewed focus on Classical forms because Pompeii was being excavated at the time. Thus, Classical columns, arch forms, motifs, stucco décor, and domes were very prominent in the English Late Renaissance. Also, these designers, especially Robert Adams, created strategies to integrate all elements of a building, creating a very cohesive interior. The two featured furniture makers are primarily famous because of the success of their published works, which allowed certain styles and characteristics to spread quickly and become mainstream.