English Period Furniture History
The Evolution of English Furniture Continued
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The wealth of the country increased under the stable Tudor government and a new middle class was formed creating a demand for a new form of furniture.
Therefore the 16th Century can be divided into two halves. The first part, furniture consisted of carving on gothic framework, stools and forms were the only form of seating available.
The second part, new pieces of furniture evolved. Buffets or sideboards, fold top games tables, taller chests which doors became cupboards or hutches and the draw leaf table which is still common today.
A simple timber planked chest
Chairs were developed from chests and had upright back legs, heavy turning and often carved panels.
Tudor Gothic Furniture Characteristics
Plank Chest - Simple Plank construction by a carpenter and blacksmith. Metal straps and nails were used to hold the timber together but because of the arrangement of grain the timber often split. They often had handles to carry it. |
A simple timber planked chest |
Chest / Partly Framed Chest - This was superseded by the partly framed chest. It used dry pegged construction and panel fitted into the frame allowed for movement without the timber splitting. Panels from riven boards were hand moulded and sometimes carved to give the "linenfold" effect. The board is cut with a wedge and split.
Built In Seating - Early settles accommodated up to six people with simple linenfold panels and foot rest rail. |
 Joined or Joyned Chest c1530 |
