Week 13- Late English Renaissance- Neoclassic

November 27, 2024

This week in History of Interiors we learned about the English Period, Late Renaissance-Neoclassic, which was from 1750-1830. A man by the name of Robert Adam rejected the Palladian style, and instead was a Neoclassic Architect, Interior Designer, and Furniture Maker inspired by the classical antiquity.

In the beginning of Adam’s career, he had a very bold and masculine style creating large scale classical forms. While in the second half of his career his style became more delicate, having a feminine touch. He incorporated classical columns, domes, and panels ornamented with classical motifs in his architecture. Creating symmetrical formal designs, that encompass unity and painted surfaces throughout. His furniture was often formed from satinwood as displayed in the picture below.

Adam's Satin Wood Shield Back Chair Modern Day Application

Adam truly did enjoy incorporating color into his designs both in the ceilings, walls, and floors through carpets. As well as using oak flooring, he often had fireplaces, but they were not meant to be the focal point of the design. Instead, mirrors were showcased, being oval in shape, they were both delicate while ornamented. Additionally, Adam used fun extravagant fabrics such as brocades, satins, and toiles.

In the middle of Adam’s career came a man by the name of George Hepplewhite, who was an English cabinet and furniture maker. His furniture, Neoclassical style, is well known still today due to his wide who published a book of his designs. Hepplewhite created furniture mainly from satinwood, making many different types of furniture, he gilded and painted designs, not using glass. His furniture used many delicate “weak” legs in his construction of washstands, Pembroke tables, side boards, etc.

Hepplewhite's Pembroke Table Modern Day Application

His chairs had straight legs that often tapered at the end with a spade foot. The back had curves, with either pierced designs or upholstered. Additionally, he made vases, lyres, urns, etc. which were bought by people such as the Prince of Wales.

In the last part of the 18th century, from 1751-1806, a man by the name of Thomas Sheraton created French furniture with an Empire style. He also published a book for cabinet makers and upholsters. He also created furniture from satinwood, his chairs having a square shape back and seat. Less ornamental designs he created designs that could fold and be multipurpose, using fabrics such as silk, damasks, and brocades.

Sheraton's Grandfather Clock Modern Day Application

One Step Further:

In this week’s one step further, I found an interior designer by the name of Ken Fulk, raised in Virginia he has been in the industry for 25 years. He has helped design anything from a jet to a hotel and is considered a creative director, designer, curator, producer and marketing strategist. He takes inspiration from many different design styles and implements them depending on his clients.

In his designs shown below, he takes inspiration from Neoclassic elements and Robert Adam style of architectural details. He uses niches, colorful wallpaper, decorative fabrics, and so much more.