Furniture that is designed to reflect the aesthetics of the time, creates a connection with the past, serves as a an evidence of the skill and craftsmanship of artisans and, most importantly it is of enough quality to stand the tests of time. An ode to the traditional methods of making The artist Helen Linfield, of fine antique dealers Wakelin & Linfield, posits: “The past has always been an excellent source of significance and inspiration for designers. There always will be a desire to innovate and evolve but the finest antique furniture pieces are able to withstand the storm of trendy trends and economics.”
Antique furniture may appear to be to be a complicated world where a myriad of styles and questions of provenance converge. To navigate this fascinating yet sometimes challenging realm we sought out the advice of members of LAPADA which is which is the Association of Art & Antique dealers which are recognized by the sign of the golden chandelier that is displayed in their shops as well as on their merchandise at fairs. The association now has over 555 members, each of whom must meet strict and rigorous standards of expertise in terms of quality of inventory and understanding of their field. Together, the members cover everything from the earliest to the latest styles.
1. Shop using your eyes and your heart
If you are a potential buyer who wants to purchase a new piece of antique furniture it is possible to be the temptation to choose furniture for investment purposes and not for personal taste. This is a way of betting on a change that is positive of the marketplace, and this is an extremely risky gamble – and even experts can make these predictions. To make sure you don’t regret making a purchase, it’s generally best to purchase furniture because you really like the style. Helen Linfield offers some sage tips on this subject: “Once you have established what style or period appeals to you the most in terms of the design and wood, you need to search for furniture that is well constructed and follow the quality of the craftsmanship, color and patination. If the piece is visually appealing and you believe it brings you joy to gaze at each day, then it’s a good beginning point because the pleasure you get from it over time will be the return on your investment.”
2. If you are looking into the authenticity of an item Don’t be afraid to touch the item
For the beginner collector, the most common (and solidly based) anxiety is the risk of committing a significant amount of money only find out later that the item of interest is an authentic imitation. If you are considering a piece whose authenticity is not clear or missing completely, buyers must not be afraid to offer an in-depth examination of the object. A reputable antiques dealer understands that this is a part of the process and will be fine about doing it. those who are reluctant to do so without good justification, on the other however, should be a cause for some questions. Harriet Chavasse, of Thakeham Furniture Ltd and Thakeham Furniture Ltd., provides this information on how to investigate:
Look first for any sign of a problem on the surface. Are the sides, the top or back comprised from plywood? Plywood was not utilized in furniture production until the 1930s, and it would not have been integrated into the construction of a Georgian piece. Similar to staples, chipboard as well as Phillips screw are evidence for construction that was later. Chairs of the past were made using mortice and tenon joints. So it is not a Georgian chair joined by dowels isn’t Georgian!
The next step is flip the piece upside down (where it is possible!). If it’s a large table, like one that serves food, I frequently recommend using the torch to get an inspection of the table. The first thing you should be looking for is a small portion or the “patina’ that covers the top of the table: if the table has been in use for more than two hundred years, or so , you will see an elongated waxy edge on the underside of the table, the place where fingers of people have come into contact with the table. It is nearly impossible to recreate when the surface isn’t clear, or if there are brush marks from staining beware of.
When a piece has been veneered as a general rule the more thick the veneer, the older the piece. Veneers were handsawn up in the late 19th century and had to be cut in a coarse manner. They were fixed down [always using ‘Scotch’ or glue for animals] and later polished and sanded in situ. Veneers were thin and lighter as the mechanisation progressed, and by the turn of the century, they were essentially ‘paper’ thin.
It is important to know the dates when it comes to the history of screws as well as nails. Screws as we are familiar with are not widely used until about 1675, and they were made up to the mid 19th century. A screw that was made by hand is not tapered at all and the slot in the head is rarely well aligned, and the handcrafted screw is much more shallow in its spiral than the machine produced type. Nails were cut square, with round wire nails being used until after 1900.
Lastly, rub your hands across the table’s surface The new table top has a brand new surface and won’t be as smooth and silky as it was with the original patination. the grain could be raised and the edges could be sharp for a piece that is old. Similar to all areas of antique purchasing it is here that your experience is crucial; however, you should be sure to follow your gut and a piece that “feels” wrong can be an indication that your eyes will be tuned in.
3. The most recent items can be equally useful.
There is no doubt that a beautiful piece like a cabinet richly decorated and centuries old is an impressive and highly sought-after object of furnishings. It is important to have a wide-ranging view whether it’s across the space or even the category of furniture as
Alan Hatchwell of Hatchwell Antiques Alan Hatchwell of Hatchwell Antiques explains: ” ‘Mid-century’ has been a roaring success, and by it the rapid increase in the interest in large-scale binoculars, both military and naval, as well as aeronautical marvels like propellers and wind tunnel models which are specialized, but thrilling and lively areas. Discover what to expect from an excellent object: the style and use of well selected timber. This is because the Scandinavians are always top-of-the-line in their selection and use of high-quality veneers and woods. the latest design to become sought-after, Danish, does not fail in this regard. Rosewood is a favorite for me, particularly when it is sun-bleached to an ethereal shade.”
4. The upholstery is all there.
When you’re looking into any upholstery be sure to examine the item thoroughly, taking special attention to what’s beneath the covers. Check for indications that it was reconstructed, refurbished or repaired or refurbished. The original wool filling of a chair might be replaced with contemporary, but less durable materials, like foam. Harriet Chavasse of Thakeham Furniture Ltd extols the virtues of traditional craftsmanship:
“What matters is beneath your couch!” When you look under the upholstery, vintage couches and chairs can’t be more different than modern pieces. A brand new sofa, even if it comes from a reputable manufacturer is made of chipboard that is stapled together and then covered with foam. They’re not made to last. Every joint is made by hand and the frame is carefully designed to accommodate the upholstery. Modern furniture makers discuss “ergonomics” but the artisans of the 18th century were doing it!”
Begin to make friends
If you are looking for the first time, go to several dealers, select one or two you prefer and then begin to develop a relationship with them. It’s fruitful as they get to know your preferences and can prove to be invaluable advisors and might even be able to help you source rare opportunities.
An overview of the main styles.
Tudor and Elizabethan
The Tudor period refers to the 200 year period in the history of which the Tudor Dynasty ruled over England. The furniture of the period was Gothic in design and one readily identifiable feature being the linenfold panelling which craftsmen could carve in a way that resembled folds of fabric. The era came conclusion with Elizabeth I’s accession to the throne, marking the start of the Golden Age. Style-wise, the influence of the Renaissance began to be more evident thanks to the introduction of scrolls Tudor flowers and an improvement in the production of inlays that were different colors and decorated woods.
Restoration Period
The furniture made of oak remained over the furniture market in the 17th century. However, walnut was becoming more sought-after in the Restoration period (1660-1689). The time before the Commonwealth saw these pieces of solid oak with their intricate carvings, using more and more of the traditional designs of the Renaissance becoming lighter with a slenderization of the bulbous designs from the previous century. The same century also saw the simplifying of furniture during the Puritan Commonwealth which was reversed during the Restoration and the craftsmen from Europe that accompanied Charles I were the masters at veneering (using the very thin veneer of decorative grains on top of the carcass of another wood) in addition to marquetry. The arrival to William and Mary brought on with the influence and influence Continental Baroque.
18th Century
The 18th century brought the Rococo style, which was a playful one that is often characterized by references to nature and incorporating an asymmetrical element, the latter being a result of the more formal Baroque. The English reaction to the style is evident in the early work of the celebrated Thomas Chippendale – who also featured, in addition to various styles the popular fashion of Chinoisserie. Mahogany, a rare hardwood that was brought from the newly established British colonies of the West Indies, allowed for sharper carving than walnut and was the predominant material in the period between 1730. His later designs were influenced by the Neoclassicism that was systematically introduced in England from Robert Adam, and it could be the late Georgian period’s expertise in this type of design that is most prominent on English furniture. Like its name implies it was influenced by the past of Greece as well as Rome for its designs and ornamental motifs.
It’s important to remember the fact that “Regency fashion” is commonly used to refer to not only the period of Regency in itself (1811-1820) but as well George IV’s later reign (1820 to 1830) and was influenced in Greek, Egyptian and Gothic styles. The interest in this style was explored into Victorian time, with many Revivalist styles – such as Pugin’s stance in favor of the Gothic and the Gothic – being showcased in front of an international audience during The Great Exhibition of 1851.
Arts and Crafts
The much-loved Arts and Crafts style was an early Victorian evolution that began c.1860 and its most well-known exponent, William Morris, holding up the value of hand-crafted craftsmanship against the backdrop of industrialisation. At the time of the reign of Victoria, extravagant designs in Art Nouveau, more entirely evident throughout the Continent was introduced.
Art Deco
The sleek and elegant aesthetic in Art Deco is instantly associated with the post WW1 period. Jeroen Markies, of Jeroen Markies Art Deco, explains:
“Art Deco is a time of extravagant decadence, particularly in the 20’s and 30’s, and furniture designs that were a perfect match for an extravagant lifestyle through the making use of gorgeous wood, sleek lines, and attention to details – without sacrificing practicality. It’s a style that is a perfect fit for a variety of architectural styles and that is for it to be still a popular choice for furnishings, mirrors, and decorative art to decorate your interior.”
© All Rights Reserved.