|
|
Queen Anne Style
Named after the English monarch of the same name (who lived between 1665 – 1714,) Queen Anne style furniture is defined as that which was produced during her reign (1702 – 1727.) Queen Anne style was a less expensive, more plentifully produced style of furniture that meant that less wealthy people could afford to buy it. It was the first style of furniture to become a status or fashion symbol. Appearance was just as important as practicality for the first time. It came about as a style in its own right as people had increasing amounts of income to spend on their homes. Unusual pieces of furniture in exotic woods became de rigeur. The increasing time devoted to leisure pursuits and hobbies meant smaller pieces of portable furniture were popular for gaming, writing, playing cards and having tea.
Queen Anne Style furniture is recognizable by:-
- cabriole legs
- ball and claw feet
- veneering – walnut was often the favoured wood used to do this
- Japanning – this was a lacquered finish given to wooden furniture to give it an Oriental look. At this time, Japan was closed off to the West and so this influence would have been Chinese rather than Japanese.
|
