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American Colonial (1620-1780)
Furniture from this period is also referred to as Early
American and American Provincial. It was produced in
the colonies prior to the Revolutionary War. American
Craftsmen were influenced by English and French styles,
but were forced to use native woods such as pine, maple,
cherry, walnut and oak. Designs were more often than
not utilitarian in nature rather than decorative. The
Shakers had a great influence on this period of design.
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Biedermeier (19th Century)
Popular with the middle class in early 19th century
Germany, this unostentatious furniture is often characterized
by burled veneers with classical clean and straight
lines. It has a deceptive simplicity of style that hides
a very complex interplay of precise proportions and
design. Less expensive woods like elm or fruit woods
were most often used. However, examples exist in ash,
walnut, maple, birch, beech and even mahogany. It's
black and gold painted decorations (such as stars) set
this style apart from the elaborate ornamentation of
the richer Empire style.
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Chippendale (1740-1779)
Thomas Chippendale was the first person other
than royalty to have a furniture style named for him.
He was both a designer and cabinetmaker. He was principally
influenced by early English, French and Chinese designs.
Mahogany was his wood of choice. His fame was insured
with the publication of his The Gentleman and Cabinet-Makers
Director.
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Empire (1804-1815)
Generally refers to French Empire furniture which was
created under the rule of Napoleon. Furniture was massive,
often boxlike in appearance, with severe right angles
and columns. Mahogany, rosewood and ebony were popular
woods of choice. Brass and gilded decorations were highly
evident in these designs. The French Empire influenced
designers in England, Germany and the U.S. American
Empire continued to approximately 1840.
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English Regency (1793-1830)
Is one of the styles of the late Georgian period. Named
for the time when George IV served as regent while he
was Prince of Wales. Mahogany, satinwood and rosewood
were popular. Furniture was generally scaled down in
proportions.
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Federal (1780-1830)
Furniture of this style coincided with the early days
of the Federal government. Marked by great interest
in architecture, this period reflected the styles of
Hepplewhite, Sheraton and Regency. Applied decorations,
especially of the American eagle, were common. Duncan
Phyfe Furniture during this period.
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Georgian (1714-1795)
A collective term used to describe several styles of
furniture produced in England from about 1714-1795 (the
reigns of George I, George II and most of George III).
Many of these styles are better known by the designers
and craftsmen such as Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Sheraton.
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Hepplewhite (1770-1786)
George Hepplewhite was greatly influenced by French
Louis XIV designs. His designs were lighter and more
graceful than those of Chippendale. Mahogany was his
wood of choice. His designs make use of slender, fluted
legs, smaller scale and delicate, open backs in chairs.
He is famous for introducing the sideboard.
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Jacobean (17th Century)
Sometimes called the Pilgrim style, this middle of the
17th century furniture design is characterized by heavy
turnings for legs and spindles. Elaborate relief carvings
were used on the choice woods of oak and pine.
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Queen Anne (1702-1714)
Queen Anne ruled England for only twelve years, but
this period of furniture style lasted approximately
forty years. Considered the most graceful of all styles.
Walnut was the favored wood, with mahogany being used
near the end of this period. Characterized by cabriole
Legs, splat backs in chairs and shell carvings.
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Sheraton (1780-1806)
Thomas Sheraton published four books on furniture design.
The most important being The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's
Drawing Book. His designs were generally slender, delicate
and refined. He often made use of tapered legs, carved
open chair backs and much inlay. Mahogany was his wood
of choice.
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William & Mary (1689-1702)
Queen Mary was the daughter of James II. This period
is named for her and her husband, William of Orange.
Dutch and Flemish influences are evident in pieces from
this period. Trumpet legs, bunn feet, x-stretchers and
double bonnet tops are highly evident in the designs.
Both highboys and lowboys came into being.
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