Antique Furniture, Guides and advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Throughout history beds have been a vital piece of family furniture, often becoming artefacts of great importance due to their insight into how our ancestors lived. Today, many antique beds find their way back into modern homes due to their visual appeal or status as an heirloom. As functional items, historic beds often require routine… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Guides and advice, Latest News, Useful articles
Writing desks are often a much-admired antique, conjuring memories of romantic letter writing and the handwritten words of famous authors, politicians and royalty. These historic pieces of furniture may have clear signs of a practical past, such as a well-used ink well and abraded edges, as well as pieces of perishing leather and felt or… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Artists, Guides and advice, Latest News, Useful articles
As the most famous furniture designer of the 18th century and possibly ever since, Thomas Chippendale produced numerous designs reflecting the fashionable styles of the period. From grand rococo frills to strong neoclassical statements, it was Chippendale’s chairs that were of particular prominence, with their designs still being replicated today and originals being highly sought… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Guides and advice, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
The longcase clock has been a popular feature in British homes since the late 17th century, becoming more affordable over the decades until no Victorian hallway was complete without one. These attractive antiques were both functional and decorative, serving as status symbols in middle and upper-class homes, often becoming a family heirloom due to their… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Guides and advice, Latest News, Useful articles
The chest of drawers is one of the most essential pieces of furniture in any home, found in all interiors whether they have a preference for an ornate antique or a contemporary design. Also known as a bureau or dresser, cabinets which include stacks of drawers may be more vulnerable to damage than other household… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Guides and advice, Latest News, Modern & Contemporary Furniture, Specialist Items, Upholstery, Useful articles
Mid century 1950’s modern furniture has simplicity and durability at the core of its design, making it both an ideal choice for a comfortable home and a lifelong investment. This period of furniture can be dated back to the post-war era, gaining major influence in the 1950s and 1960s across the western world, with particularly… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Guides and advice, Latest News, Modern & Contemporary Furniture, Textiles, Upholstery, Useful articles
Over the centuries, fashions have changed and interior design along with it. One of the biggest features in a room, prior to minimalism, is the choice of textile – more precisely, the upholstery of central pieces of furniture. Therefore many chairs, settees and cabinets have been altered to fit with fashion over time, whether this… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Guides and advice, Latest News, Modern & Contemporary Furniture, Useful articles
When identifying the era of your furniture there are often factors to consider, this includes the aesthetic style, the craftsmanship and the variety of wood. This article on how to identify antique furniture will cover some of the most popular periods and the signs and features you may notice when investigating furniture in your care,… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Guides and advice, Latest News, Useful articles
The finish on a piece of wooden furniture, whether this is antique or modern, can make the difference between a charming part of your interior or an eyesore in need of rejuvenation. However, it does not only affect the visual appearance – wooden designs which are left unwaxed or without the correct upkeep can be… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Guides and advice, Latest News, Modern & Contemporary Furniture, Useful articles
When it comes to the restoration of furniture, whether this is antique or modern, our studio experts provide the highest level of care and attention to detail. For many, this is a lifelong passion which means that every piece is treated with the same consideration and enthusiasm as the last. In our Carlisle studio we… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Guides and advice, Latest News, Modern & Contemporary Furniture, Useful articles
Furniture tells a story of how we lived in the past, it displays the designs of influential periods and connects us to interiors throughout history. Therefore, sourcing the correct era and variety of wooden panels or details during furniture restoration is important. This serves a purpose for both preservation and historic integrity for the antique… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Guides and advice, Latest News, Modern & Contemporary Furniture, Useful articles
When it comes to antique furniture you may come across many different methods of restoration. Some restorers will be in pursuit of a ‘perfect’ finish which fits in with a modern interior – disregarding the historical nature of the piece, whilst others will entirely transform a piece as an upcycling exercise. At Fine Art Restoration… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Guides and advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Decorative boxes are often of great sentimental value, passed down as heirlooms or given as gifts. Many will protect precious items, serving as jewelry or memory boxes, or may themselves be of great value in the antiques market. An antique box which is smaller than a traditional chest is often known as a casket. These… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Guides and advice, Latest News, Specialist Items
Marquetry is a method of wooden embellishment which is as old as classical civilisation. This intricate art form has been found in the city of Pompeii and the Herculaneum, but like many forms of art, it became hugely popular across Europe during the renaissance period in the 16th century, beginning in the artistic epicentres of… Read more »
The long history of wooden furniture in the UK has meant that antique pieces have often survived due to their innate durability. This means that if kept in good condition, they should be able to withstand use for centuries to come. However, the lack of quick intervention following water exposure could begin a process of… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Guides and advice, Latest News, Useful articles
To understand how to best look after your furniture, the key is to understand the materials from which it was made. Various types of wood have been used throughout the many design styles of antique furniture, all of which are susceptible to natural decay which can be accelerated by the environment in which they sit.… Read more »
