The English Period

Chiswick House

There are many different ages during the English period including the early, middle and late Renaissance Neoclassic. From this extensive period I will discuss in depth about the Late Renaissance Neoclassic age from 1750-1830. During this time George II and George III were in rule. The Georgian styles included work from Robert Adam, George Hepplewhite and Thomas Sheraton. These ages were known for mahogany and satinwood. There was a focus on the revival of interest in the arts of Greece and Rome, and reactions against the French Rococo period. One of the popular structures during this time was the Neoclassical Chiswick House. This house was the birthplace of the English Landscape Movement. I find that this structure strongly resembles so many other architectural landmarks that we have previously discussed. The dome, symmetry, and Doric columns of the Chiswick House makes a bold statement. Looking more into the history of this building I found it interesting that this neo-Palladian villa that is set on the historic gardens of west London has had a  £12.1 million restoration of their gardens which were unveiled in June 2010. These famous gardens have been the inspiration of many other monumental gardens of the past and today.

Lansdowne House interior

Adams, at first enjoyed the use of bold, masculine and large scale items. By 1770 his designs reflected more delicate and femininely. He liked classical columns and pilasters, entablatures, arch forms, domes and panels that were ornamented with classical motifs. Interiors featured delicately decorated panels and ceilings. His work with the Lansdowne House in London reflects his dedication to detail. The house was completed from Adam’s designs for Lord Shelburne in 1768. Another one of Adams works is the Syon House that has been recently restored.



 

Syon House after the 2010 Restoration

Ante Room of the Syon House

 

 Hepplewhite brought the Neoclassic style to the masses and he is the reason it is still being used today. Construction was weak, but urns, reeding oval paterae, ribbons, vases, fluting and festoons were incoorporated in design. His style included sideboards with many legs, and he inventer the washstand.

 Sheraton's style were elegant, crisp and light.He did not use complicated curves as seen previously. His furniture was composed of simple shapes with ornament that was restricted to inlay, marquetry or painted designs. He tried to think of furniture as multipurpose and used different fabrics in his work.

Modern applications of the English Period Late Renaissance Neoclassic era.

Extra Resources:
More about the Chiswick House: http://www.chgt.org.uk/
modern design: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1544149/list/Neoclassical-Design-Gets-Modern-Twists