The desire for reproduction furniture has arisen out of our nostalgia for times past and the elegance and sheer design prowess of 18th century furniture and cabinet makers, and the distinctive pieces they conceived and crafted. It has opened a portal to the past and enables us to bring period features into our homes and replicate the style of the times. The rare, hidden and costly nature of original 18th and 19th century furniture pieces has paved the way for the coveting of reproduction furniture. Collecting original pieces, although extremely enjoyable, is a timely and uncertain process. It is also a risky process as the current state of the furniture is unknown until the time of purchase. Many desired pieces of historic furniture are no longer in existence and are clearly, declining in number. Any piece of furniture you envisage and wish for can be commissioned and made, bespoke, for you. This is an ideal solution to your reproduction furniture needs when original pieces are no longer in circulation, or you would like a specific piece to complement your decor or existing furniture.
Replicas are produced from the same materials as the originals and are crafted to the same design specification. The finish is essential in distinguishing the well-made reproductions. The calibre of polishing, glazing or upholstering is essential in the crafting of these pieces. The original reproduction pieces were replicas of furniture designs typical of the 18th century which were prominent in Britain, France and America. In addition, contemporary manufacturers reproduce styles typical of the 18th & 19th centuries.
The English classical styles of the 18th century were immortalised by the ‘three fathers’ of cabinet making and furniture design; Thomas Chippendale, Thomas Sheraton and George Heppelwhite. Their designs are coveted worldwide and demand for them is high. Heppelwhite’s distinguishing design is encompassed by the ‘shield’ shaped back chair, in place of the more typical ‘splat’ design. Heppelwhite’s style was particularly fashionable from the 1790s and throughout the 19th century. Thomas Sheraton embodied the neoclassical english furniture style (which was inspired by trends and fashion typical of the Louis XVI era). The chairs he designed were rectilinear in shape and comprised of woods such as mahogany, satinwood and tulipwood inlaid with rosewood and sycamore. Painted finishes were available, and brass fittings versions, adorned with motifs such as rams’ heads and husks. Thomas Chippendale, a London based furniture maker designed furniture in the mid-Georgian, English Rococo and neoclassical styles. Gothic tracery ‘slat’ back chairs characterized his designs and set the trend for furniture during this period.
I have many favourite designs from the Victorian, Georgian and Regency eras and Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical styles. I could show you images and designs of hundreds of furniture pieces, which I am sure you would also love but perhaps this is an area best left for another day, so we can delve into these eras and styles in depths and I can provide you with pictures of captivating, alluring designs.
For now I will leave you with some pictures of a couple of chair designs that I consider very beautiful and can look striking in any room, on their own or as part of a set.
Carlton Mahogany Sabre Leg Carver Chair Carlton Mahogany Georgian Carved Back Chair
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