One of these old tables is still to be seen in the
Hall of Gray’s Inn, and the writer was told
that its fellow was broken and had been “sent
away.” They are nearly always of good rich
mahogany, and have legs more or less ornamental according
to circumstances.
A distinguishing feature of English furniture of the
last century was the partiality for secret drawers
and contrivances for hiding away papers or valued
articles; and in old secretaires and writing tables
we find a great many ingenious designs which remind
us of the days when there were but few banks, and
people kept money and deeds in their own custody.
[Illustration: Carved Jardiniere, by Chippendale.]
[Illustration: A China Cabinet, and a Bookcase
With Secretaire. Designed by T. Sheraton, and
published in his “Cabinet Maker and Upholsterer’s
Drawing Book,” 1793.]
First Half of the Nineteenth Century
The French Revolution and First Empire—Influence
on design of Napoleon’s Campaigns—The
Cabinet presented to Marie Louise—Dutch
Furniture of the time—English Furniture—Sheraton’s
later work—Thomas Hope, architect—George
Smith’s designs—Fashion during the
Regency—Gothic revival—Seddon’s
Furniture—Other Makers—Influence
on design of the Restoration in France—Furniture
of William IV. and early part of Queen Victoria’s
reign—Baroque and Rococo styles—The
panelling of rooms, dado, and skirting—The
Art Union,—The Society of Arts—Sir
Charles Barry and the new Palace of Westminster—Pugin’s
designs—Auction Prices of Furniture—Christie’s—The
London Club Houses—Steam—Different
Trade Customs—Exhibitions in France and
England—Harry Rogers’ work—The
Queen’s cradle—State of Art in England
during first part of present reign—Continental
designs—Italian carving—Cabinet
work—General remarks.
Empire Furniture.
[Illustration]
There are great crises in the history of a nation
which stand out in prominent relief. One of these
is the French Revolution, which commenced in 1792,
and wrought such dire havoc amongst the aristocracy,
with so much misery and distress throughout the country.
It was an event of great importance, whether we consider
the religion, the politics, or the manners and customs
of a people, as affecting the changes in the style
of the decoration of their homes. The horrors
of the Revolution are matters of common knowledge
to every schoolboy, and there is no need to dwell either
upon them or their consequences, which are so thoroughly
apparent. The confiscation of the property of
those who had fled the country was added to the general
dislocation of everything connected with the work of
the industrial arts.
Nevertheless it should be borne in mind that amongst
the anarchy and disorder of this terrible time in
France, the National Convention had sufficient foresight
to appoint a Commission, composed of competent men
in different branches of Art, to determine what State
property in artistic objects should be sold, and what
was of sufficient historical interest to be retained
as a national possession. Riesener, the celebrated
ebeniste, whose work we have described in the
chapter on Louis Seize furniture, and David, the famous
painter of the time, both served on this Commission,
of which they must have been valuable members.
