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Tudor Furniture
Furniture from the early part of the tudor era had little to distinguish it from the style of its medieval and gothic predecessors. A “typical” house hold might only have a few pieces of basic furniture. The wealthy might own tables, chests, and maybe a bed and a chair. The poorer population might have very little at all.
Most English Tudor furniture was made from oak, a local and plentiful material. Pieces tended to be heavy, strong, uncomfortable but well made. Where the Tudors lacked grace and elegance in their furniture however, they often made up for it in their tapestry, embroidery, carpets and fabric.
As Henry VIII came to the throne, more and more housing was being built. This led to an increase in furniture production. In turn this led to improved furniture construction and craftsmanship. Advanced techniques in joining wood ended “plank construction,” allowing increased mobility of individual pieces.
Henry VIII’s foreign policy turned to fighting wars abroad, and the schism with the Roman Catholic church deepened. As they did so, furniture fell under the influence of the Italian Renaissance styles. This manifested itself in an increase of carving and detailed ornamentation. Traditional gothic linenfold, Tudor Rose, and other designs derived from architecture saw themselves being mixed with Italianate garlands and profile heads in roundels. This Renaissance influence continued into Elizabeth’s reign.
The rule of King Henry VIII, (1509 – 1547) was a period of splendour and opulence. Henry encouraged Italian artists and artisans to work in England and Italian ornamentation soon blended with traditional English styles to create an English Renaissance style.
During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, (1558 – 1603) English furniture design developed further. The court cupboard became fashionable. This had open shelves for displaying valuable plates and silverware. The cupboard legs were highly decorated with classical and Italian Renaissance motifs.
The “draw-table” was a large oak dining table made in two halves that could be drawn apart. One or two additional sections, called leaves could be added to increase the length of the table.
Elizabethan four poster and test beds were created using ornately carved woods and expensive fabrics. Feather beds were introduced in the Tudor Age to replace the straw mattress. Elaborate carved wooden four poster beds became popular. Cloth drapes kept out the cold and enabled some degree of privacy to be maintained
Overseas exploration saw an influx of Spanish and Moorish influences. This manifested itself in gilding, ivory and exotic wood inlaid in geometric designs.
Characteristics Of Tudor Furniture
- Joined furniture
- Bun feet
- Turned legs
- Wainscot chairs (high backed, like a throne)
- Linenfold motifs in panels
- Tudor roses, scrolls and dolphins used as motifs in decorative carvings
Click here to learn about Ann High's Tudor furniture
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