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'Work from home.’ It’s the phrase that has defined the last ten months or so of our lives. Whether or not home has always been the natural habitat for your work, many have rushed to transform part of their house into a workspace. The Lorfords collection is full of unique pieces that will bring your dream Mid Century Modern home office to life.
The psychology of our interiors
Studies show that the more personal control we have over our office space, the happier we are. The ability to get creative with our workspace and have our favourite furnishings close at hand is a silver lining of the current circumstances.
One of the biggest challenges of staying at home has been drawing a line between work time and our personal lives. This gives you all the more reason to invest in your office space and create an environment you want to spend all day in, before returning to those parts of your home that you associate with relaxing.
Calm, uncluttered surroundings encourage efficiency and productivity. This can be difficult to achieve at home, but by dedicating a space for work you are halfway there, and Mid Century Modern design will do the rest.
It can be easy to feel as though you are ‘playing office’ whilst working from home, so it’s important to get creative with your space and invest in it. Stylish and useful furniture is conducive to your productivity, as well as your happiness.
A la mode
Media and popular culture have made Mid Century design an object of fascination. From the smooth teak and glass of the Mad Men office to the contemporary prints and low chairs of Miranda Priestley’s office in The Devil Wears Prada, the understated glamour of a Mid Century Modern office is well-known.
The post-war period was a new age of prosperity, and many migrated to urban and suburban areas. After the horrors of war, there was a desire for more human, organic and natural design. Inspiration was sought from America and Scandinavia, and designers eagerly embraced new materials like plywood and plastic. Manufacturers had machinery and mass production at their disposal, so luckily many fantastic pieces survive today.
Furnishing newly built homes and smaller living spaces saw design take on new priorities, and functionality was a top priority. Designers didn’t skimp on style, however, and the iconic designs they brought to life have timeless appeal.
Mid Century designers
Designers of the Mid Century Modern period wanted to make furniture accessible to everyone, not just the very wealthy. The contributors to this new democratic style were many, including Arne Jacobsen and Harry Bertoia. Ray and Charles Eames were the design power couple of their day, and it's their executive desk that graces Don Draper's office in Mad Men.
Far from dull, design in this period was full of juxtapositions. Designs were extremely varied, and you might struggle to spot what a marshmallow sofa and a teak sideboard have in common. However, there were certain principles that united these designers in their plight: fine craftsmanship, quality, and chic style.
The straight-lined silhouettes of Mid Century Modern furniture make it the perfect choice for an office. Manufacturers of the period, such as Herman Miller, focussed in on office furniture and produced desks, chairs, and savvy storage solutions. George Nelson was a key mover and shaker in Mid Century Modern design. His iconic Storagewall design captured attention far and wide and he is credited with designing the first L-Shaped desk.
Redefine 'office'
There’s more to working life than a desk and a chair. Nobody wants to work amongst empty cups of tea and a teetering stack of paperwork, but many of us do. It may be a cliché, but it’s difficult to argue with the concept of ‘tidy desk, tidy mind.’
It's often unrealistic to reimagine a whole room of the home in one style, but a few key pieces will transform a space. Credenzas and sideboards were already furniture stalwarts, but they were revolutionised in this period. Fitting unobtrusively against the wall, they provide storage and a surface for display. Most importantly, a sideboard or low cabinet means you can keep stress-inducing clutter out of sight.
When it comes to designing an office space, the mood can tend towards the clinical. Mid Century Modern is the perfect antidote to monotony because designers reinterpreted basic furniture with innovation and creative flair. Designers made chairs that were lower and broader, often supported on splayed UFO-style legs. They made many office-style chairs, with reclining and swivel functions. You've got your pick when it comes to desk chairs and should indulge in a big upholstered armchair for when you need a break.
Lighting was the major triumph of Mid Century design, and designs are famous and sought-after today. From practical floor lamps to Sciolari's spectacular sputnik light, lighting is the ultimate flourish for a 20th Century home office. Maison Charles’ iconic palm standard lamps demonstrate how natural forms were embraced in this period, and they make a great statement in an office setting.
Punchy Mid Century modern accents
20th Century design was far from solely utilitarian. Designs from this period were full of creative flair, and this should be reflected in a Mid Century Modern office. This was the heyday of faux tortoiseshell, glass, contrasting woods, bright colour, and abstract art. Adorn a brass and glass coffee table with a lucite magazine holder, or fabulous colourful glasswork by Val Saint Lambert.
There’s no point in working in a space that won’t inspire creativity and progress. Surround yourself with fabulous contemporary art and sculpture that makes you feel content and calm. Colour and character are key to boosting your mood in a long working day. This was an age of bold and pioneering design, and by surrounding yourself with examples of it you encourage the same in your work endeavours.
Whatever your personal style, there is something to love in this spectacular period of design. Mid Century Modern pieces have the power to transform a space into the perfect home office. For further inspiration, have a browse of our lookbook: Office Envy.
Are you a minimalist or a maximalist at heart? Both approaches create stunning interiors, but this year we're making the case for a maximalist Christmas. It certainly hasn’t been an easy ride, so embrace the festive season in all its visual glory.
There is a good reason why many of us have fixated on what this season will entail this year, and what we can and can’t do. Whether you start Christmas planning in August or dread the whole affair, it’s one of life's consistencies. Although it’s a different festive season this year, the period still offers some guarantees and one of the best of these is bringing your home to life.
Christmas through history
Christmas can feel prescribed in today's society, and we are compelled to follow all manner of conventions. But in fact, Christmas has transformed over the centuries and taken on many different guises- even the religious meaning came later than the first festive celebrations.
In medieval England Christmas didn’t revolve around just one day; it was a full twelve days of celebrating up until 'twelfth night' on January 6th. After a pretty miserable year, why not make this festive season last? Savvy decorating choices will see the cheer through into January so you can keep the winter blues at bay.
Winter solstice
In a couple of days, the Earth will be tilted further away from the sun than at any other point in the year. The winter solstice is how Christmas celebrations began, in eager anticipation of the sun's return. The solstice may be the shortest and darkest day of the year, but it is also the beginning of a new chapter. This moment has special relevance this year, as we look forward to better times.
Whilst the solstice has been somewhat lost in Christmas celebrations today, it was quite crucial for the holiday’s development. The Roman festival of Saturnalia was a hedonistic spree of celebrations leading up to this event. Take note from the ancient Norsemen of Scandinavia, who celebrated ‘Yule’ from the solstice all the way through January, while the yule log burned to symbolise the return of light.
'We are not amused'
Queen Victoria’s reputation does not immediately bring to mind joyous festivities. But in fact, it was the innovations of the Victorians that led to the Christmas we know and love today. From the beginning to the end of the 19th Century, Christmas transformed from a lowkey event to the biggest celebration of the year.
The Victorians believed in the importance of celebrating Christmas with family, which is a concept we all hold close to our hearts today. Many of our favourite traditions stem from the royal couple themselves, Victoria and Albert. Prince Albert's childhood in Germany had a big influence on the British Christmas, and he popularised the indoor Christmas tree. An illustration of the royal family gathered around their tree appeared in the Illustrated London News in 1848, and a Christmas tree has been integral to Christmas ever since.
This period also introduced the sending of Christmas cards to friends and acquaintances, as well as the joyous Christmas cracker with its novelties and gifts inside. So, perhaps raise a glass to Queen Victoria this Christmas?
Reclaim Christmas as your own
There’s plenty of inspiration to draw from tradition and how Christmas has been celebrated over the centuries. This year, take only what you love from this and make the rest your own. Whether you can be with loved ones, or it's a quiet affair this year, surround yourself with your favourite things and give them a bit of a festive revamp.
Breaking the rules has long been a part of Christmas tradition. This time of year has a rich history of reversing social hierarchies, and it was once known as the season of 'misrule.' The violation of social conventions got a bit out of hand at one point, and the Victorians stepped in to bring about more order. The concept of reversal still manifests today, as officers of the British Army wait on their soldiers on Christmas Day. We're not advocating that your children become the boss this year, but do embrace doing things differently.
We all have our guilty pleasures. That piece that’s a bit kitsch, a bit out there… but we love it all the same. This year we haven’t been entertaining and Christmas guests are going to be limited, but there is a silver lining to these circumstances. Christmas is often a time of immense stress, no matter how organised you are. Let go of the considerations that come with entertaining this year. Fuel your nostalgia at Christmastime, and let festive cheer reign unshackled.
Mismatching design is full of character and that eccentric antique you keep tucked away in the attic is ready to have its day. Yes to red and green, if you love the colours, but also yes to yellow, blue, orange, and purple. Etiquette and convention are not on the menu for this Christmas period.
Add a little sparkle...
With limited events to attend this festive season, we must bring the party to us. There is no better time of year to embrace opulent home furnishings. Put beautiful gilded furniture in the spotlight, and make sure everyone has a comfortable seat. Get inventive with the furniture you see every day; sideboards present the perfect worktop for creating a wintery scene which will keep you cheerful until the Spring.
Christmas is brought to life through light, and you simply can't have enough candles. We stock antique candelabra, wall sconces, and candlesticks so that you can create an enchanting atmosphere at home. Bring the Christmas sparkle with your own unique take on decorations, such as a glass witches ball. Heavy and shining with rich history and tradition, these decorations are a fitting accessory to a maximalist Christmas.
Natural decoration also serves as a wonderful accent to your favourite antiques. Garland your statues and sculptures, and fill glass vessels with pine cones and oranges. The fireplace forms the focal point for festivities and offers plenty of scope for creative decoration. Layer the mantelpiece with holly and ivy, and quirky antiques. Browse our fireside furniture to bring this spot to life.
Eat, drink and be merry
Tablescapes offer one of the greatest creative opportunities at Christmastime. This is where you can afford the most artistic license and think outside the box to bring your table to life. Antiques are the perfect antidote to the ‘norm.’
Often, there is great pressure to colour coordinate at Christmas. Throw out the rulebook and combine all your favourite tableware and glassware. Use urns and vases to create wonderful, unusual centrepieces that will have everyone in awe. If you love it, it works.
Trust our one-of-a-kind antiques to bring your home to life this season and all year round. If you're keeping it lowkey this year and plan to come back with a bang in 2021, it's never too early to prepare!
For a little added inspiration, visit our lookbook "Merry and Bright."
Merry Christmas, from the whole team at Lorfords Antiques!
2020 has been the year of staying at home. Endless duvet days can get a bit wearing, but not if you turn your bedroom into your favourite room in the house...
Hibernate in style
“Of all the rooms in the house, your bedroom is yours.”
American interior decorator, Dorothy Draper, was certainly onto something when she pointed out the personal significance of the bedroom. And yet, this room is so often an afterthought when it comes to interior design.
When redesigning a house and choosing antiques, entertaining rooms are often the focus. Top of your list might be the living room, dining room, or conservatory space. But your bedroom deserves the same level of care and attention, if not more, especially as we approach the winter months. Getting a good night's sleep has never been so important, and the right bedroom design is conducive to this.
Looking back through the history archives, this room was once held in much higher esteem. You need only look at this crown canopy to see how extravagant the four-poster bed once was. The bedroom acted as a public stage for crucial life events, including births, weddings, business, and death. In Tudor England, queens held their own court in the bedchamber surrounded by their ladies-in-waiting. Later on, Queen Anne would even commission and design her own extravagant deathbed.
Perhaps nowadays life does not necessitate this level of drama, but you can still be a little indulgent when it comes to decorating your bedroom.
Your most private self
Georgian England brought about changes to the house structure and the layout of interiors, leading the bedroom to become much more of a self-contained space. This sense of privacy has increased over time, and today it is somewhere we can retreat to and feel we can be our truest selves. In such a tumultuous year, filled with uncertainty and worry, the bedroom should offer a haven of sorts.
Crucially, the bedroom must reflect your personality. Whether your taste is ornate and palatial, or you prefer to embody the relaxed French farmhouse style, express yourself through your bedroom design.
Antiques for the bedroom
The bedroom is a space for peace, tranquillity, and reflection. Antiques and pieces from the past can make us feel more rooted, which is especially important in the bedroom.
I’ve touched on the pivotal role of this room throughout history, so luckily there is an abundance of antique furnishings to help bring your boudoir to life. Symmetry is important for the overall aesthetic and sense of calm. This is where you relax and restore yourself, so avoid anything jarring.
As with any room, there has to be a balance between decorative accents and pragmatic furniture. Beautiful antiques will often allow you to combine the two.
Bedroom storage
It's easy to look at a beautiful bedroom design and find yourself wondering: but where is all the... stuff?
Storage pieces are key to keeping any room in order and make for useful, decorative bedroom pieces. The options are truly endless: wardrobes, commodes, armoires, chests, and trunks hold all the answers to your troubles.
For a luxurious and feminine feel, look for bombe or serpentine commodes for storing your clothes and other bits. A chest or a trunk at the end of a bed, or an ottoman with storage, is a tradition that still appeals today. These are perfect for storing blankets and sheets, whilst forming a pretty feature.
Coordinated bedside tables are important to the overall symmetry and cohesion of the room. Serving a purpose as old as time, you're bound to find tables that suit your style- whether that's Louis XV grandeur or Mid-Century hip.
Bring the creativity
Don't just focus on your design needs, but also your desires. Comfort is key but it doesn't have to come at the cost of expressing your personal style. The 20th Century provides ample inspiration for expressive bedroom design. The economic boom of the 1920s, swiftly followed by the Hollywood Regency style, ushered in a new era of glamorous bedrooms.
Create the Hollywood look with beautiful crested mirrors, opulent lighting, contemporary art, and the perfect dressing table. Folding screens are a wonderful option for bringing a little vintage style into the bedroom, and can even make for an innovative headboard. Upholstered chairs have always been a stalwart of bedroom design and this comfort can be taken one step further with a daybed or sofa.
If you're seeking a more traditional and muted bedroom, consider a charming cheval mirror for all your dressing needs. Pair with a mannequin or a valet stand to create your very own dressing room. Lithographs and herbariums make for calming wall decoration.
Textiles are the easiest way to inject a little vibrancy into the bedroom, without it feeling too overwhelming. Surround yourself with your favourite colours and patterns, through our wall hangings, headboards, and rugs.
It's tempting to save your favourite things for communal spaces in the home, but it is most important that they are enjoyed by you. Sculpture, vases, and other display pieces can help you realise your boudoir dream.
The importance of good lighting
Softly, softly. Creating a tranquil boudoir relies on the right antique lighting. This depends on how much space you have; if you are decorating a small room then wall lights or sconces are a savvy solution. Beautiful symmetry comes from matching lamps with gorgeous shades to each bedside table.
A central, overhead light draws a room together. If opulence is your watchword, don’t shy away from a chandelier; this is your space and an opportunity to express yourself. More lowkey, industrial style pendant lights create a cool loft atmosphere in a bedroom.
Whatever your style, the key is to create a welcoming and comforting space through plenty of soft light sources. Choose from the many different options in our collection, including floor lamps, wall lights, and lanterns.
Choose Lorfords
Lorfords Antiques is here for all your interior design needs, with all of our bedroom pieces in one place here. Lorfords Created offers bespoke upholstery so that your boudoir can come to life through fabrics of your own choice.
If you're spoilt for choice, our lookbook "Boudoir of Dreams" is a great place to start.
No point in British history had such a profound and lasting impact on furniture design as the Georgian period. Let's take a closer look at this towering legacy.
Georgian England
The Georgian period counts for over a century of English history. Four consecutive George’s were on the throne, and it was a time of relative stability.
Beginning with George I and ending with George IV, Georgian England encompassed a wide range of design styles. The enduring legacy, however, is one of sturdy and high-quality furniture that exudes elegance.
There’s a certain vitality to the Georgian period, reflected in its furniture and other antiques. Democracy was growing and it was a time of relative peace and prosperity. This was the era when games tables came to the fore, and interiors revolved around entertaining. Grand homes, such as Chiswick House, needed furnishings for entertaining guests for days at a time. Pieces had to be functional, but also on-trend, and cabinet-makers delivered to that brief.
The ‘early Georgian’ period refers to the reigns of George I and George II. Under George I, the elegant furniture of Queen Anne continued, whilst Rococo style flourished under George II.
The ‘late Georgian’ period correlates with George III, who reigned from 1760 to 1820. This was the heyday of Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Sheraton and neoclassicism took off. George IV, as Prince Regent, reigned on behalf of his father for the last nine years before taking over as King.
George IV pioneered the well-known Regency style. Our previous blog explored the Regency in-depth, so we will focus on the prior period in this article.
The mahogany revolution
Georgian furniture did not just make use of mahogany as a material- the timber dictated design in this period. This exotic wood was not a new discovery; designers had long admired it and used it for the finest of pieces.
The timber of choice up until this point was walnut, but several factors side-lined it in favour of mahogany. England had been heavily reliant on France for importing walnut, until France banned its export in 1720. Shortly after, in 1721, Sir Robert Walpole as British Prime Minister lifted the tax on mahogany.
Thus, the mahogany revolution began, offering an indispensable resource to the cabinet-makers of the 18th Century. The timber was sourced mostly from Jamaica at first, and then Honduras.
This wood was durable and tough, with a very fine grain that resisted scratches and bumps. Mahogany blended seamlessly with ornament and lent itself well to the elegance that defined this period of furniture design.
Mahogany wasn't the only exotic timber coveted in this period; designers also exalted the boldly striped figuring of rosewood and satinwood.
The Georgian protagonists
Both the excellence of furniture in this period as well as its varying styles are down to the master cabinet-makers of Georgian England.
The Georgian period saw a growth of the middle and lower upper class in England. This created a thirst for possessions and furniture, which provided a strong market for the cabinet-maker. And what an era for cabinet-making it was!
Chippendale's era
Thomas Chippendale was the first on the Georgian furniture scene in London, the centre of high society. Entrepreneurial by nature, he is widely regarded as one of the finest furniture designers in English history. In 1754, he found some fame with The Gentleman and Cabinet- Maker's Dictionary. With numerous reprints and editions, this pattern book was sourced by fellow cabinet-makers, architects and noble gentleman.
Chippendale was a man who found inspiration and wonder in everything he saw. He drew upon French Rococo style, more classic French style, the Gothic and the Chinese. The Chippendale legacy is aligned with English Rococo style, though he spanned so many styles with ease. William Kent was another designer who enthusiastically embraced Rococo as well as Palladianism.
Chippendale catered to swelling demand for functional yet stylish furniture. He accepted commissions to provide interiors totally in the Chippendale style for wealthy households. Chippendale pieces are famous; the camelback sofa, ribbonback chairs, and shell and acanthus decoration feature heavily. Collectors exalt his chairs, sofas, mirrors, and serving tables as some of the finest furniture in the world. He was known for bold brass hardware, fretwork moulding and cabriole legs with ball and claw feet.
‘Country Chippendale’ and ‘Irish Chippendale’ emerged in the second half of the 18th Century. Rural craftsmen emulated his designs, using native woods rather than mahogany. These are wonderful pieces in their own right, but the quality does not compare with his original designs.
Neoclassicism
Where Chippendale pushed the boundaries, experimenting with new fashions, other designers brought furniture back to basics. Hepplewhite and Sheraton later joined Chippendale as key players in the furniture design of this period. The combined influence of these three men upon English furniture was nothing short of monumental.
As we move into the mid-late Georgian period, neoclassicism begins to dominate furniture design. These designers were of the 'Grand Tour' generation and drew inspiration from Greek antiquity. Robert Adams was undoubtedly the most significant proponent of English neoclassicism. Along with his brother James, the Adams' personal take on Palladian architecture and furniture sent shockwaves through design circles.
Chippendale became aware that change was underfoot, and so he took neoclassicism and ran with it. Some of his greatest successes were in this later period, and the neoclassical Harewood House is still home to some of his best furniture designs.
However, neoclassicism was Hepplewhite and Sheraton's guiding principle from the outset. Despite his huge legacy, George Hepplewhite the man is something of a mystery. He died in 1786, leaving his estate and business to his widow, Alice Hepplewhite. Alice carried on under her own name: A. Hepplewhite & Co. It was his widow who published The Cabinet-Maker and Upholster's Guide in 1788. This book would catapult Hepplewhite to the centre of furniture design.
Hepplewhite pieces draw upon French neoclassicism under Louis XV and Louis XVI. This pair of French salon chairs exhibit his style perfectly.
Hepplewhite was the 'master of the sideboard,' and his designs were light, well-proportioned and beautifully polished. You might recognise them for their splayed feet and stunning inlay decorations.
Sheraton, the final Georgian master
Chippendale and Hepplewhite had passed on before Thomas Sheraton arrived on the London furniture scene in 1790. He very much continued in Hepplewhite's vein, and the beholder can confuse the two men's pieces. However, Sheraton pieces went the extra mile when it came to refinement. Known for his rectilinear shapes and often opting for straight or tapering legs, Sheraton used neoclassical motifs such as reeding and rosettes.
And so, as the Georgian period came to an end, Hepplewhite and Sheraton finished up on a neoclassical note. Their ornament was in contrasting woods and beautiful inlaid decoration. Hence, in the evolution of the Georgian period, you witness a trajectory that builds up to extravagant heights before cooling down to simpler designs.
Georgian antiques
Despite the multitude of styles in this period, the majority had durability and beauty in common. For this reason, Georgian antiques have survived in high numbers and are still very desirable.
It was a widely emulated style for many years, particularly in the 19th Century. Although reproductions are still covetable in their own right, look out for the differences.
England and France revived Georgian design in the 20th Century, as the English Country House style emerged. Over in America, the Georgian legacy gave rise to Federal style. This is fashion that has truly stood the test of time and continues to influence interior design trends to this day.
Georgian tables, chairs, lighting, and cabinets adapt easily to the modern home. The pieces are unobtrusive and showcase the finest craftsmanship.
Lorfords is home to lovely Georgian pieces, which will ease seamlessly into your interior. Browse our lookbook ‘Georgian Golden Age' to breathe new life into your home.
Now is the time to embrace folk art and primitive furniture. It's been a very strange year, and we have all lived simpler lifestyles. Folk art represents community, utilitarianism, and simple joys- concepts we can all focus on as we move forward.
What is folk art?
Folk art is an umbrella term for a wide range of objects that were made in rural communities before the dawn of mass production. There were no rules; local craftsmen made objects and pieces of furniture for a purpose and to please. The genre can include carved animals and human figures, quirky trade signs, charming country furniture, and a host of other unique pieces.
Some pieces are instantly recognisable, such as Welsh stick back chairs. Pieces like these became ingrained in local tradition and are popular with collectors today.
This rural furniture often exhibits interesting carpentry techniques, such as dovetail and mortise-and-tenon joints. Because of the rustic assembly, makers almost always chose to paint the finished product.
Folk art was only coined as a genre when the Arts and Crafts movement began to gather momentum in the 19th Century. William Morris, who spearheaded Arts and Crafts, defined folk art as, 'anything exhibiting cultural heritage in a non-elitist, primitive or homemade style.'
Morris was inspired by the legacy of this genre in his own approach to design. Both styles value the individual craftsman and utilitarian furniture, albeit Arts and Crafts consciously rather than out of necessity.
Arts and Crafts was a reaction against mass production and the industrial revolution, whilst folk art preceded these changes. There were no machines and every piece of furniture was handmade for purpose.
Community spirit
Folk art was a personal craft, so no two pieces are quite the same. Because pieces were designed to meet a particular need, the maker could adapt to taste and requirements.
Farmers often used their dormant months to make furniture. They would construct chairs, tables and whatever was needed for their family, but also for the wider community. Rural areas were always a few years behind the furniture trends of the big cities, but sometimes a carpenter would make a copy of a popular style. The main difference was that country craftsmen would always make use of local woods, such as birch and pine. Meanwhile, the cities were importing more exotic timbers.
Despite the individual nature of this craft, there are a few traits that distinguish the genre. Folk art pieces often exhibit brightly coloured and vibrant painted decoration. The subject matter is usually a simple and naive portrayal of recognisable objects. Apart from anything else, these painted scenes were a form of communication within a largely illiterate society.
Scandinavia had a particularly strong culture of communal eating and drinking, and people made objects for dining. Meanwhile, you see many candlesticks made in England and other areas of Europe, as candles were the main form of lighting in the 17th and 18th Centuries.
Wedding bells
Some pieces of primitive furniture are more decorative in nature. Many objects were made as a marriage token for newlyweds, demonstrating the strong community element of this furniture.
A charming example of this tradition is the marriage coffer; a decorative box presented to a newlywed couple. The folk art tradition also produced endearing love tokens, and collectors covet Welsh carved spoons for their romantic history. Much of the appeal of folk art antiques comes from the personal histories they represent.
Due appreciation for folk art
For a genre of art that was only properly acknowledged in the 19th Century, it's safe to say that folk art is getting some overdue appreciation right now. In 2014, Tate Britain hosted an exhibition dedicated to British folk art to draw attention to this neglected area of art history.
The exhibition celebrated everything from Toby jugs to ships' figureheads. Tate Britain described such pieces as, 'often humble but always remarkable,' which encapsulates this genre perfectly.
Antiques have started appealing to a wider market, particularly young people. For a younger generation, folk art furniture and decor represents something that is both sustainable and personal. The desire for something quirky, something a little bit different, is driving modern interior design today and folk and primitive art is a wonderful way to achieve this.
Primitive interiors
We have spent more time in our homes than ever before this year. Naturally, this comes with a heightened awareness of our interiors. Primitive design is a wonderful antidote to the complexity and pressures of modern life, and it blends in particularly well in a contemporary interior.
Stripped back folk art furniture looks charming in a rustic country kitchen, whilst some of the brightly painted pieces bring a pop of colour. This design is far from restrictive in terms of choice; benches, chairs, and stools of all shapes and sizes will meet the requirements for your space.
Don't stop at furniture and consider the wide range of decorative pieces that can liven up your interior. Folk art paintings are particularly charming, as well as tapestries, painted screens, and carved figures.
Folk art furniture is primitive, unpretentious, and often tells a wonderful story. It connects us to our ancestors and country in a deeply personal and accessible way.
The Lorfords lookbook, 'Our Rural Forebears,' shows how you can unlock your interiors through primitive design.
It's All Hallow's Eve, a day that has been heavy with tradition and ritual since the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. This is the perfect time to examine the Gothic style, which conjures up thoughts of the haunted and supernatural.
On the word 'Gothic'
The original Goths were a Germanic tribe, who held power in parts of Europe between the collapse of the Roman Empire and the start of the Holy Roman Empire.
Gothic architecture itself did not emerge until the 12th Century. The name Gothic was attached to this new movement long after the existence of the Goths themselves.
The early Gothic, or 'Lancet' style, of the 12th and 13th Centuries, gave way to the more elaborate Rayonnant Gothic in the 14th Century. The style resurfaced in the late 18th Century and lasted throughout the 19th Century, with a particularly strong presence in Britain.
This second wave of enthusiasm would become known as 'Gothic Revival' and spanned literature, architecture, and design.
Intellectual shifts
The Gothic Revival of the 18th and 19th Centuries was a conscious movement. It stemmed from a fascination with medieval times, but the influences were more wide-ranging and nuanced.
Nostalgia for a 'golden age' characterised the Romantic movement, voiced by the likes of Blake, Coleridge, and Wordsworth. These poets reacted against the principles of the Enlightenment, which centered around the importance of reason.
This nostalgia was fuelled by paintings of ruined medieval castles and abbeys, as well as medieval tales with Gothic themes. The prominent critic John Ruskin wrote widely on medieval art, literature, and society. Ruskin argued that medievalism reflected a morally superior way of life to the present day. In an 1853 essay, he praises the individuality and eccentricities of the Gothic in comparison to the neat perfection of neoclassicism.
As is so often the case, Gothic revivalism had a religious undertone. Architectural theorists wanted to transfer the weight and significance of Gothic architecture to church reform. The style was well-suited to the Victorians in many ways, not least their preoccupation with death and religion.
The Gothic novel
It's natural to associate the Gothic with all things horrible and repellent. This is down in large part to the role of the Gothic novel, which emerged in the 18th Century.
Similar to Romanticism, these were writers who reacted against reason and reality and their restraint on free thinking. In the case of the Gothic novel, this gave way to the supernatural and terrifying. The setting for these novels? The ruins of old Gothic buildings.
Bram Stoker's Dracula is perhaps the most famous Gothic novel, but it was actually Horace Walpole who wrote the first Gothic horror. Walpole's The Castle of Otranto takes place in the ruins of an Italian castle. These novels centered around the traumas of a protagonist, which created an imaginative and dark new form of writing.
The new genre did not find a fan in Jane Austen. She questioned how literature that was so far removed from real life could prove so popular. In her own work Northanger Abbey she chastises young ladies who were enraptured by this 'circulating library.'
The new Gothic
Gothic elements began to appear in furniture designs of the 17th Century. Chippendale's Gentlemen and Cabinet Maker's Dictionary, amongst other works from the period, merges Gothic elements with classical designs. This wasn't a direct imitation, however, as not enough was known about the original version.
Horace Walpole did not restrict his enthusiasm for the Gothic to his writing and oversaw one of the most major works of the Gothic Revival in Britain. Walpole built Strawberry Hill in London in the mid 18th Century. The mansion remains a magnificent showcase of this style in all its glory.
Walpole studied designs of medieval tombs and turned them into fireplaces and bookcases. The mansion features extraordinary attention to detail, with quatrefoils and hooded arches throughout. Walpole was ahead of his time; Gothic houses were not fashionable at this time and the wealthy still preferred Palladian homes.
Strawberry Hill brought the Gothic Revival to the fore and it was a hugely iconic design. Members of his own class followed Walpole and incorporated the style into their homes, as the style became associated with intellectual heights and Christian piety.
Early manifestations of the Revival were in the domestic sphere, but this soon changed. Public buildings including the Houses of Parliament were built in this style from the 1820s. Indeed, whilst the Gothic lost force in private settings in the last quarter of the 19th Century, churches and institutions continued with this design until well into the 20th Century.
Upsetting the status quo
Not everybody embraced the revival. In fact, it upset the norm in many ways. Catholicism was a cause for concern in the 18th Century, and critics associated it with the Gothic. The Hanoverian monarchy was affiliated with classical design, and many wanted to maintain this refined style.
Scottish minister and writer Alexander Gerard said of the Gothic style in 1759: "the profusion of ornament, bestowed on the parts, in Gothic structures, may ease one who has not acquired enlargement of mind... where refinement is wanting, taste must be coarse and vulgar."
To Gerard and many others, this new style was a fanciful and tasteless whim.
Gothic furniture
Nonetheless, the Gothic was one of the most potent 19th Century revival styles. It would give way to modern materials in the 20th Century, but antique Gothic pieces still make a wonderful statement in a modern home.
You need only glance at the interior of Strawberry Hill to note the defining characteristics of this style. The haunting hooded arches define both Gothic architecture and furniture design. Islamic architecture in Spain at this time was likely the inspiration for the vertical emphasis and vaulted ceilings.
This was a unique style in the detail as well as the whole, with the quatrefoil (flower with four petals) the symbol of Gothic design. Geometric forms, repeated patterns, and foliate decoration also feature in Gothic furniture. The pieces feature heavy carving, and woodwork tracery copied from the windows of Gothic architecture. Gothic chairs, tables, and other pieces of furniture were in many ways a replica of the buildings that inspired them.
But the style manifested in simpler settings too, and its natural forms make it blend well into a rural landscape. The 'Carpenter Gothic' emerged as a version of the style suitable for smaller houses and cottages- particularly in America.
It's possible to transfer the motifs and features of Gothic Revival into a wide variety of settings. Indeed, the legacy of this style is evident in the later Arts and Crafts movement.
Dramatic styling
The Gothic is an inherently beautiful style. The vivid colours of stained glass and plush furnishings make an effective contrast to the melancholy Gothic. Some of us love drama in an interior, and here at Lorfords we have plenty of statement Gothic pieces.
The intellectual connotations of this style make it well suited to a library or home office. Stunning bookcases in our collection showcase the pointed arches of Gothic style. Pair with a grand desk, or even an altar table.
Dining rooms are another arena for Gothic glamour. Carved dining chairs and a large heavy wood table will give your entertainment rooms the wow factor. Lighten up the dark tones of the furniture with magnificent Gothic lighting. Dramatic lanterns and candelabras are the finishing touches for achieving this style.
To add a dose of Gothic design to your home, look no further than our lookbook, 'Gothic Drama,' for inspiration.
Industrial chic is here to stay. Unique antique pieces, original architecture, and modern twists create a style that is both liberating and high impact.
A stalwart of design
Industrial antiques have enduring appeal and bring character to an interior. They capture livelihoods and craftsmanship through the ages, often with true one-of-a-kind status.
Increasingly, people want to decorate their homes without being limited to any one style. The industrial lends itself to this fluidity, by celebrating and exposing raw materials with striking simplicity. Old industrial pieces provide the perfect opportunity to marry vintage with modern, to give your home that 'lived in' feel.
Embracing the natural structure of a building sets the tone for the rest of an interior. Exposed brick, beams, and pipework are decorative features in themselves. Industrial style is a natural complement to this trend and suggests an interior that is evolving, as opposed to stagnant.
Wood, enamel, chrome, iron… all of these materials reflect their industrial history and need little adornment to stand out.
Repurposing industrial antiques
Antique and vintage industrial pieces are a refreshing antidote to the fast furniture age.
Industrial interiors value the bare bones of an object; the quality and the craftsmanship. It harks back to an era when, if something was broken, you would arrange a repair rather than replace it.
The beauty of this style is that it allows the journey of a piece to continue, by repurposing it for modern living. There is something quite special about a piece of furniture that was once a crucial part of someone’s livelihood, whether that was carpentry or sewing.
Perhaps your home and working life don’t require a set of seed merchant’s drawers, but they are a stunning decorative feature that offers lots of storage.
Create the industrial look
Whether you are looking to wholly embrace this raw aesthetic or just introduce a few pieces into your home, Lorfords is a great place to start.
Our aircraft hangars at Babdown Airfield are the perfect showrooms for industrial antiques. Our collection includes antique wooden furniture, trade signs, ladders, easels, and a host of other industrial pieces.
Antique and vintage trade signs are relics of mercantile history. Signs that once hung in a carpenter’s shop, horologers, or other stores are striking decorative items. With their cursive declarations of services, a trade sign is a stylish way to inject character into your home.
Industrial pieces bring a variety of textures and materials into the home, which creates a layered feel. This raw aesthetic can be warmed up by fusing it with other styles. Consider surrounding industrial features with eclectic Mid-Century designs or the fresh hues of Swedish chic.
Iconic designs, such as the Tolix chair, look stylish in an industrial interior. With their galvanised metal finish and bright colours, these chairs were firm fixtures in cafes, offices, and factories during the 20th Century. Soften the edges of the industrial with rich textiles such as velvet upholstery, a leather Chesterfield or an antique rug.
Industrial antiques are where tradition meets vogue, and there are no rules on how you style it within your home.
Lighting with purpose
Industrial lighting never goes out of style and is a simple way to bring a unique edge to your interiors. This trend is so appealing because these are antiques with clear provenance, and this is especially true when it comes to light fittings.
From Victorian street lanterns to Mid-Century enamel lights, there is a range of striking antique and vintage options available. Pendant lights exude atmosphere in modern interiors and help to achieve that 'warehouse loft' look.
Our collection includes several Holophane lights. Holophane Glass studied the distribution of light in the 1890s and came up with a solution: prismatic lighting. These lights provided ‘scientific illumination,’ on factory floors and other workplaces. In the 20th Century, they went on to light up famous spots such as The House of Lords and Westminster Abbey.
In a house full of beautiful antiques, your lighting can tell a story too. Repurpose old restaurant lights, school lights, and streetlights into amazing features in your home. Here at Lorfords, we have a pair of early 20th Century industrial lamps which originally hung in Camden underground station.
Get inspired
If your interiors need a refresh, adding a few unique industrial pieces can work wonders. Experiment with one or two statement antiques, or create a workshop inspired space for a bold look.
Visit our lookbook 'Into the Workshop' to view a selection of antiques with an industrial history behind them.
Whilst revolution brewed, a majestic furniture style emerged in France. Louis XVI and his infamous wife, Marie Antoinette, oversaw a period of design that is still coveted today.
The Bourbon Dynasty
Louis XVI was the last of the Bourbon monarchs. He reigned from 1760 to 1789, ascending to the throne at just 20. Indecision and weakness of character plagued the King, who never quite lived up to the legacy of his ancestors.
Louis Seize was married to Marie Antoinette in order to assert diplomatic links with Austria. What the King lacked, the Queen made up for in many ways. She was the last Queen of France, and Marie Antoinette is remembered for her headstrong and extravagant ways.
The reigns of his predecessors were characterised by their own design preferences. The intention of his great-grandfather Louis XIV was simple: splendid, extravagant furnishings that reflected the monarchy in all its glory. Known as, 'The Sun King,' the sun was the royal emblem and the dominating principle of this reign was brilliance.
His grandfather, Louis XV, embraced the Rococo style and his furniture embodies femininity, comfort, and curving lines. Due to his string of mistresses, he asked for shorter chair armrests to accommodate their full skirts.
Whilst each King Louis had their own personal taste, certain pieces of furniture defined the whole dynasty. Furniture for specific functions became popular; Louis XIV introduced the commode and popularised writing desks and console tables. His reign was the apogee of giltwood furniture and his successors kept such features in their own design.
Looming tensions
In order to discuss Louis XVI design, we must delve into the socio-political tensions of his reign.
The King's life ended at the guillotine, accused of treason. Marie Antoinette's lavish tastes provoked the public and she met the same fate as her husband.
The royal couple was not ignorant of the angry masses, but their efforts to appease them were minimal. Pattern and design in furniture made use of the natural grain of the wood in an effort to identify with starving Parisians. The King once wore a peasant hat to sit for a portrait in an attempt to show solidarity, but the seeds of resentment were already firmly sown in the French people.
Louis XVI inherited financial problems and exacerbated them with his careless spending. Heavy taxation further alienated the people, particularly as the Queen ordered vast amounts of furnishings. Legend says Marie Antoinette once responded to news that the people had no bread with the classic remark, 'let them eat cake.'
When the monarchy was overthrown, royals and nobles had to forfeit their luxuries, and swathes of furniture from this period were lost. Therefore, a period Louis XVI piece prompts real excitement both for its beauty and historical context.
Louis XVI style
Design under Louis Seize was a mixture of continuity and innovation. The relationship between France and the classical world evolved over time and French neoclassicism was particularly aligned with the English style. English influence during this period is clear in the use of mahogany for chair backs and veneers.
Furniture design under Louis XVI consolidated previous eras in many ways. There was no dramatic overhaul or principled u-turn, but the changes transformed French furniture into a force of beauty. Louis XVI furniture is more angular than earlier periods, with straight lines and geometric patterns. Restrained, short tapering legs replaced the cabriole style associated with Louis XV.
Neoclassical influence already existed in France, known as goût grec or ‘Greek taste.’ The discovery of Pompeii and Herculaneum fuelled enthusiasm for this new architectural style. Marie Antoinette constantly commissioned pieces in this style for her quarters at Versailles. The classical influence was expressed through motifs as well as shape. Louis XVI pieces exhibit plenty of carved friezes, cornucopia, egg and dart, and oak and laurel leaf.
However, this was still the opulent French monarchy. Bronze fittings adorned almost every piece of furniture and ormolu mounts were common. Marquetry evolved away from florals and towards the geometric, so lots of beautiful games tables emerged. The commode, ushered in under Louis XIV, remained iconic under his great-grandson.
Louis XVI designers
Louis XVI’s reign is often considered the golden age of cabinet-making. Marie Antoinette imported many designers from Germany and Holland. The Queen's Austrian roots had a clear influence on design and these individuals outshone their French counterparts.
Jean-Henri Riesener held royal patronage from 1771 and is one of the most prolific designers of the time. He preferred exotic, luxurious materials for marquetry and ornamentation. His works feature gilded lacquer, mother-of-pearl and gilded ormolu mounts.
18th Century French furniture would not have reached its full potential without Georges Jacob. Jacob began working in the style of Louis XV, but swiftly adopted the style of the new King. This latter period is when his innovative designs reached their peak.
Georges Jacob's motif of triangles with rosettes adorn the joints between the arms and backs of chairs. In the late Louis XVI period, Jacob decorated the square section at the top of chair legs with daisies or small suns. This master cabinet-maker pioneered circular seat frames and spiral armrests, which became distinctive features of this period. His patrons included Marie Antoinette and the Prince of Wales.
The legacy of Louis Seize
Louis XVI furniture reflects a truly special period of design. Although his reign lasted just under 30 years, its influence on design continued into the Empire period. This period remains one of the most widely emulated furniture styles.
This style has charmed collectors for centuries and it's not difficult to see why. Whether you are looking for a few antiques to compliment a contemporary scheme, or want to perfect a period home, Louis XVI is the pinnacle of French design.
Louis XVI furniture suits modern interiors because of its simple elegance. Don't be afraid to mix ornate French furniture with modern art and sculpture, there is no need to stay in the confines of one style!
We have a large collection of Louis XVI pieces here at Lorfords. This was the heyday of iconic antiques, including the bureau plat, stunning armoires, and elegant giltwood chairs. Browse these pieces and more in our Tetbury showroom and hangars at Babdown Airfield.
For a taste of the Louis XVI style, visit our lookbook, 'The Last King,' to browse a selection of our pieces.
Mirrors have always been a symbol of status and luxury. Antique mirrors, with their charm and opulence, constantly inspire modern interior design trends.
Vanity through history
Mirrors were not always the clean reflective glass they are today. Nature provided the first concept of reflection in pools of water and later in polished stones of volcanic glass. The Romans created the first primitive looking glasses, usually in the form of a hand held mirror.
As soon as they were invented, mirrors were associated with vanity. The ancient myth of Narcissus falling in love with his own reflection in the water is often seen as a moralising tale of human arrogance.
In the dark ages, the concept took a back seat as economic and cultural advancement slowed. These captivating objects couldn't stay away for long and came back with full force in the 17th Century, when the free-standing mirror arrived. From this point on, mirrors were an established tool and integral part of home décor.
Venetian mirrors
Venice led the way to create what we recognise as a mirror today. The craftsmen of Murano were considered master glassmakers and for centuries Venetian mirrors were the height of luxury. Their method evolved with time, experimenting with tin, silver and mercury amalgams and even rock crystals.
The Venetian government held the secrets of their success close to their hearts and leaking trade secrets was punishable by death. For over 150 years, Venice was Europe's leading exporter of the beautiful objects.
Of course, this monopoly couldn’t last for long and in France Louis XIV hired a rival band of glassmakers. The result is clear in the magnificent Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. 357 mirrors in one corridor was the ultimate display of economic propensity and French craftsmanship.
It wasn’t all beauty and glamour however, and serious health problems became associated with crafting mirrors. Louis XIV’s glassmakers began to die from health complications, most likely because of the heavy metals and toxic fumes they worked with. Medical understanding was limited, so Venice and France each thought that the other was trying to sabotage them.
The interior designer's best friend
As well as being physical demonstrations of wealth and status, mirrors have many other connotations. They have long been associated with magic and illusion. The looking glass was an object of fear and longing, with a hypnotic effect on the beholder. Although superstition has waned, the allure of mirrors hasn’t.
It is a well-known trick of the interior design trade to use mirrors to maximise space. Small rooms benefit from carefully placed mirrors which reflect the light. Placed between or opposite windows, they really are a saving grace.
Toby Lorford sees mirrors as an integral part of the home: 'mirrors fundamentally change not only our perception, but also what we physically see by increasing light levels in a room.'
Mirrors and lighting are the ultimate combination to unlock your interiors. Consider wall lights or candle sconces either side of a large antique mirror to create atmosphere and illumination. If you really want to make a statement, it doesn't get much more opulent than a large gilt-framed mirror underneath a crystal chandelier.
An antique mirror is the perfect piece for an otherwise contemporary interior, because they are a simple way to introduce individuality and depth.
Antique mirrors
There are a huge variety of antique mirrors, reflecting the craftsmanship and tastes of years gone by. From the gentle femininity of Venetian mirrors to monarchial crested styles, incorporate a piece of history into your home.
Convex mirrors saw a resurgence of popularity at the beginning of the 19th Century. In pairs, convex mirrors are a great source of symmetry. They are small and neat, reflecting light outwards. A wonderful anecdote suggests they were first invented so that butlers could keep an eye on the progression of guests at dinner.
For a grander statement, consider investing in an overmantle mirror which will transport you back to the dining rooms of Regency England. Serve modern-day needs with traditional shapes, such as free-standing cheval mirrors or elegant dressing table mirrors.
A sunburst mirror is a wonderful statement piece to bring memories of warmer climates into your home. The sunburst motif originates from the Catholic Church during the 17th Century, but supposedly it was Louis XIV- 'The Sun King'- who invented the mirror itself.
Shape is just one aspect of the allure of an antique mirror and the glass itself is often a major attraction. Unlike the almost glaring clarity of a modern mirror, antique mirrors have a mellower, slightly grey tone to them.
Increasingly, contemporary companies are recreating foxed glass mirrors. This effect happens when hand-silvered glass has deteriorated or lost its clarity over time. The result is a more muted reflection, often with distressed patterning.
Instead of detracting from the appeal, foxed glass actually has a softer effect than modern glass and creates more visual texture in an interior. Use foxed glass for kitchen panelling or in a bathroom for a touch of vintage luxury.
The Lorfords treasure trove
If you stroll through our hangars at Babdown Airfield, you will catch sight of yourself more than a few times. We pride ourselves on our collection of antique mirrors, which is always expanding. Whatever your interior design needs, you are bound to find the right piece in one of our showrooms.
Toby Lorford explains why you need look no further than Lorfords: 'From 18th Century to contemporary art mirrors, from small convex mirrors through to three- metre- high styled pieces... we have over 500 mirrors in stock at any one time for you to choose from.'
Our website makes it easy, with all our mirrors in one place and categorised by different styles. If you're overwhelmed by choice, visit our lookbook, 'Hall of Mirrors,' so you can sample some of the pieces in our collection.
When the wine harvest draws to a close, vendange celebrations ripple through France. All the grapes have been picked, pressed and fermented and age old traditions see the French countryside come alive.
Millenia of tradition
Every autumn, the vineyards of France become a hive of activity as les vendanges takes place.
The Romans planted the majority of vineyards in the 6th Century BCE, when France was a Gallic region. Today, the main wine-producing regions include Bordeaux, Alsace, Loire, Provence and the Rhone Valley. Each region produces wine which reflects its climate and soil as well as the unique character of the region.
Wine tradition developed alongside the church because the Romans supported Christianity and Catholicism. Wine was used in the sacrament, so monasteries played a big role in viniculture. The drink was soon very fashionable and a natural compliment to rich French food, so noble houses filled their cellars with wine.
In1863, a disease called Phylloxera aphid decimated French vineyards and the wine industry suffered a major blow. Innovation solved the problem and France is renowned today for its premium wine standards.
Wine is deeply entrenched in French culture and the harvest is a huge occasion. Whilst the machine is prominent in modern wine production, many vineyards still complete the process using traditional methods. Thousands work or volunteer on the harvest each year and the labour is intense.
Vendange festivitie
s
Next week, the Fête des Vendanges in Monmartre will mark the end of the harvest at Paris's only remaining vineyard, Clos Monmartre.
Similar grape harvest festivals take place in most towns throughout the country. For generations, the French people have celebrated the end of the harvest with parades, concerts, fancy dress and other festivities.
The vendange begins in August and can last until the end of October, it all depends on the ripeness of the grapes. This exhausting experience calls for relaxation and fun when all the collection vessels have been put down. Families and communities congregate to eat, toast to their success and of course drink lots of wine. After a few months of intense manual work, the vendange is time to enjoy the fruits of your labour.
French provincial furniture
Al fresco dining and many mouths to feed require trestle tables and comfortable chairs. Furniture associated with the vendange is the epitome of French country craftsmanship. French provincial furniture is charming and interior design increasingly celebrates simple yet effective pieces.
Circular vendange tables make charming dining and centre tables. These pieces often have a tilt-top and trestle supports because they are stored in cellars and brought out for wine tasting. Vendange tables can be moved around easily and the versatile furniture is perfect for modern living.
To create an entire French rustic scheme, consider some architectural elements. French shutters, doors and panelling look breathtaking in interiors old and new.
Relics of the vendange
There are plenty of antique pieces which capture the magic and history of the vendange. Practical objects that represent each stage of the wine harvest process make for wonderful decorative pieces.
Collecting vessels, such as grape hods and wicker baskets, present an opportunity for you to repurpose them into something beautiful. Antique orchard ladders are also stunning statement pieces which exude rustic charm.
If you're more interested in the wine itself, we don't blame you. Our collection is full of stunning antique wine pieces to give your evening drink that sense of occasion. From statement pieces, such as large bottle racks, to the most delicate wine pourers, wine-related antiques are rare and beautiful pieces to own. You will find ice buckets, cellarettes, glass decanters and beautiful sets of French wine glasses here at Lorfords.
So if you want to enjoy the vendange this year, bring the festivities to you. Surround yourself with antique wine pieces and vendange furniture and you will soon be dreaming of French vineyards.
French antiques have a huge presence at our showroom in Tetbury as well as our two hangars at Babdown airfield. Come and visit us in person or browse our website to get the Lorfords experience.
Visit our lookbook 'Evenings at the vineyard' and discover a range of antiques to mark the end of the wine harvest.
Gustavian style flourished in Sweden during the 18th Century. Inspired by the neoclassical French style, Sweden became major players in Europe’s age of elegance.
Gustavian enlightenment
When discussing Gustavian design, the individual behind the name matters. King Gustav III reigned from 1772 to 1792 and oversaw and encouraged the flourishing of the arts.
The King was shot at a masquerade ball in 1792 and died a short while later. This event inspired Verdi’s opera Un Ballo in Maschera.
Although he was loved by some and hated by others, King Gustav’s role in the Swedish Enlightenment is clear. He was an educated and cultured man who welcomed artists and writers to court. Despite the pressures he faced at home and abroad, his reign saw huge advancements in art, literature and design.
Marriage of design
Gustavian design fuses foreign influence with long-standing Scandinavian ideals.
In France, Louis XVI reigned during one of the most significant periods of French furniture design. His style was more refined than his predecessors, but maintained the opulence and grandeur. King Gustav spent a crucial period of time in Paris and at the royal palace in Versailles. This experience left him determined to make Stockholm the ‘Paris of the North.’
Today, Swedish design is generally associated with minimalism and muted colours. Much of Gustavian style did display these trends, but period pieces can actually be very splendid.
The entertainment rooms in palaces and noble houses during this period were full of gilded furniture and grand mirrors. At a glance, you might be in a French 18th Century palace.
Classical discovery
Across Europe, design was influenced by the discovery of Pompeii and Herculaneum in the early 18th Century. Artistic concepts were completely overhauled by the exposure of this clean-lined elegance.
At Stockholm Palace, you can view King Gustav’s Museum of Antiquities to get a sense of his fascination with the classical. The museum displays a large collection of sculptures which the King brought back from his ‘grand tour’ around Italy.
The Pompeian style is evident in Gustav’s Pavilion at Haga Park. The interiors of the Pavilion feature marble columns and rich detail. King Gustav commissioned Louis Masreliez for the design, who went on to define the style of the period.
The impact of neoclassicism is clear in Gustavian furniture. The pieces are architectural in form and display symmetry, columns and carved detailing. The classical inspired Swedish furniture's trademark restraint, as it moved on from the elaborate rococo period.
The Swedish touch
Despite all of these influences, Swedish style is inherently… well, Swedish.
French 18th Century design had a huge impact on King Gustav, but the Gustavian interpretation was more refined. In fact, Gustavian furniture is a loyal tribute to Swedish ideals.
Swedish winters are long and dark, which still shapes their interior design to this day. The priority has always been to bring light into rooms, through pastel colour palettes, giltwood and plenty of mirrors.
Although the décor in palaces and noble houses was grand, Gustavian style became more homespun as it spread throughout Sweden. Often the carved frames of chairs and sofas were left exposed and the furniture was painted. Local woods were used such as oak, beech and pine.
Although Gustavian designs were simple, they were well-executed and designed for their purpose. Function was a priority and lots of corner cabinets and console tables emerged.
Shape and detail helps to identify the Gustavian: bonnet topped cupboards; barrel-backed chairs; fluted legs and carved decoration to name a few. Some of the most distinctive carved motifs are guilloche (woven circles), rosettes and scallop detailing.
Gustavian interiors
So, why does this style have such a profound influence?
Even the most modern furniture store, IKEA, draws upon its Gustavian heritage. Interior designers constantly source antique and reproduction Gustavian pieces to transform homes with Swedish style.
The most obvious reason is that Gustavian furniture is easy to live with. It is equally suited to a grand London townhouse, a country cottage, a chalet or a villa. Curved lines and carved motifs make these pieces decorative, but the silhouettes and paintwork are simple.
There is also a certain magical quality to Gustavian period and style pieces. Furniture with its original paint gives a lovely fairy-tale finish, especially in a muted colour palette. It's feminine, but not overtly so. Gustavian pieces were often fairly small and mobile and they were meant to accentuate a space, not dominate it. This is a versatile style as a result, whether it's used in small doses or as an entire decorative scheme.
No Gustavian interior is complete without the iconic Swedish Mora clock, which is a piece as rich in history as it is beautiful. Mora clocks are a testament to community craftsmanship. In the early 18th Century, the town of Mora suffered a bad drought and many people fled to Stockholm. Here they would learn new skills and trades, including clock-making.
Upon their return to Mora, a local industry started as families worked together to manufacture these iconic clocks. Mora clocks radiate the quiet peace and grandeur of Gustavian style and have a beautifully rounded shape. A Swedish Mora Clock is often the finishing touch in a Gustavian inspired setting.
Lorfords and Gustavian
Gustavian furniture has a valuable place at Lorfords and Swedish pieces are always coming through our doors.
Browse Gustavian daybeds, sofas, chairs, Mora clocks and other antiques on our website or come and see them in person.
Our two hangars at Babdown Airfield and showroom in Tetbury give Gustavian pieces the space and context they need to do them justice.
Visit our lookbook, ‘Swedish Enlightenment,’ to view our selection of Gustavian furniture.
On the 22nd September, at 2.30pm, the autumn equinox will occur as we go about our Tuesday afternoons. Light and dark will be in balance and the new astronomical season will begin.
The science and spirituality of the equinox
For the Northern Hemisphere, the autumn equinox takes place in September. At the same time, the vernal equinox marks the beginning of Spring for the Southern Hemisphere.
Before the dawn of clocks for telling time, ancient cultures paid close attention to these astronomical movements and found symbolic importance in the equinox. In ancient Greek mythology, it signified the return of the goddess Persephone to the underworld where she is reunited with her husband Hades.
Chinese and Korean cultures have celebrated the full moon closest to the autumn equinox for millennia. This involved giving praise for a successful rice harvest and making offerings to the moon.
The equinox is still widely celebrated by Pagan and Wiccan communities today. They celebrate the Festival of Mabon on the equinox, Mabon being the 'Child of Light' in Welsh mythology. The symbol of Mabon is the cornucopia, the horn of plenty.
Fresh beginnings
The resonance of autumn is multi-faceted and very powerful. As the leaves change colour and begin to fall, we are reminded of change and impermanence. This is not a time to be morose however and the autumn is a wonderful time for self-reflection and cultivating a safe, comfortable home.
F. Scott Fitzgerald famously said, 'life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.' Harvest is about reaping what you have sown and preserving and enjoying it. The crops will begin to die and animals start to hibernate. The process then starts all over again, in a cycle of renewal. Indeed, the word 'aftermath' is used to describe a new batch of cuttings or mown crops, signifying that there is more to come.
Take the symbolism of fresh beginnings, marked by the autumn equinox, as an opportunity for change and improvement. The home should never be stagnant; just as we start dressing differently and eating differently as the seasons change, your home is ready for a refresh.
Autumnal design
Fear not, it's not yet time for full winter hibernation. In fact, there's a certain frugality to autumn which stems from traditions of preservation after the harvest.
Inevitably, we begin to spend more and more time indoors during the autumn. However, it is still important to bring elements of the outdoors into the home and autumn has some of the most beautiful natural offerings.
Decoration need not be excessive. Because the changing of the seasons is as old as time, there are beautiful antiques perfect for marking the autumn equinox. Combine sculptural or ceramic representations of the cornucopia with wheat sheafs, apples and pumpkins for a seasonal display.
At this food orientated time, consider investing in some unique antique tableware and kitchenalia. We stock wonderful serving dishes, glasses, decanters and much more so that you can host with effortless style.
Don't feel constrained to a minimalist, stripped back look. Autumn signifies renewal and starting over, as well as preserving. Combine antique and contemporary trends and don't be afraid to incorporate heavy materials and bold colour. Simply crafted, heavy woods make a beautiful contrast with brass and bronze accents such as sunburst mirrors and candle sconces.
Rustic charm
This time of year is traditionally about food. The harvest has been brought in and its all about maximising ingredients. The kitchen should be full of warmth, food and family at this time of the year.
Bleached oak and other fresh timbers look wonderful in the kitchen, perfect for holding colourful produce and decoration. Due to the age old traditions of the equinox and harvest, here at Lorfords we have some fantastic pieces for this time of year.
Incorporate the concept of balance, so integral to the spirituality of the equinox, into your interiors. As the nights get longer, have multiple sources of soft lights with compelling light fittings.
In our collection of antique lighting, we have a wheat sheaf chandelier and a decorative harvest chandelier, which are perfect for the kitchen or dining room. Striking light fittings such as these make for an effective contrast with simple natural materials. More subtle choices, such as lanterns and wall lights, always bring effortless charm and atmosphere to interiors.
Of course, textiles always play a part in setting the perfect tone in your home. Soften minimalist rooms with upholstered furniture and soft rugs, using the fireplace or kitchen table as a focal point.
If you are stuck for inspiration, our hangars at Babdown Airfield offer two amazing showrooms filled with unique antiques that can revolutionise an interior.
Visit our lookbook, 'Shifting seasons,' to browse our autumnal antiques.