British Furniture: 1820 to 1920: The Luxury Market

British Furniture 1820 to 1920: The Luxury Market, written by Christopher Payne, is a landmark publication that assesses British furniture design from the early origins of the Victorian era to the 1920s. It explores the influence of the exhibition era, trade catalogues, retailers, and subcontractors, and highlights the importance of revival styles such as the Rococo Revival, 'Queen Anne, and 'Chippendale. It also sheds light on the often-unidentified makers of reproduction furniture that later became an important part of the market.

Format: Hardback
Length: 576 pages
Publication date: 11 September 2023
Publisher: ACC Art Books

British furniture design from the early origins of the so-called Victorian era to the myriad of influences in vogue up to the 1920s is comprehensively assessed in the landmark publication British Furniture 1820 to 1920: The Luxury Market, written by celebrated furniture historian Christopher Payne and including over 1,000 superb photographs. This groundbreaking book is the first to provide a comprehensive examination of British furniture design, tracing its evolution from the early Victorian era through the various styles and fashions that emerged in the first two decades of the twentieth century.

Payne delves deep into the influence of various factors, including the exhibition era, trade catalogues, retailers, and subcontractors, on the development of furniture design. He also sheds light on the often-unidentified makers of reproduction furniture that later became an important part of the market. Furthermore, Payne emphasizes the significance of revival styles, which have often been overlooked in the furniture trade but play a fundamental role in shaping the industry.

The book features a wide range of makers and suppliers, some of whom are familiar to furniture collectors, such as Collinson & Lock, Edwards & Roberts, Gillow, Holland, Maples, and Morris & Co. However, many of these makers are less well-known, and their work is presented here for the first time. The photographs in the book are of exceptional quality, providing a visual feast for furniture enthusiasts and historians alike.

British Furniture 1820 to 1920: The Luxury Market is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of furniture design, and it offers a valuable insight into the evolution of British furniture over the past two centuries. It is a testament to the skill and creativity of the makers and suppliers who have contributed to the rich tapestry of furniture design in Britain.

Weight: 3531g
Dimension: 300 x 237 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788841740