Week 12 English Early-Mid Renaissance

 

A significant aspect of English designs is that it's renowned for its capacity to combine and modify several styles, such as classicism, Gothic, and Renaissance, to meet regional demands. Furniture styles in colonies like as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand were influenced by English designers, who frequently made their own adjustments. English design is particularly known for its extensive use of oak, which was plentiful in England, and for calling periods after monarchs (such as Tudor and Elizabethan).

1. Hardwick Hall

The Hardwick Hall was built in Derbyshire, England between 1590 and 1597 for Bess of Hardwick, one of the wealthiest and influential women of the time. The design of the Hall uses the Renaissance style incorporating symmetry and proportion. The building features extensive large windows which symbolize wealth. The interior includes rich furnishing, decorative plasterwork, and elaborate tapestries. This building is also surrounded by a nice formal garden.

Current Application:  Xanadu 2.0

The Xanadus 2.0 is  Bill Gates's own mansion by Lake Washington in Medina, Washington. It symbolizes wealth with the use of luxury materials and advanced construction techniques. It's also surrounded by meticulously designed gardens and water features.

2. St. Paul's Cathedral

The St. Paul Cathedral in London, England, is a masterpiece and Iconic landmark that was used for Royal Ceremonies such as the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. This Cathedral features one of the largest domes in the world, standing at 365 feet tall and consisting of three layers. The cathedral's interior features richly decorated mosaics, sculptures, and paintings.

Current Application: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

The Cathedral of Our Lady Angels in Los Angeles, California, uses a groundbreaking example of the English Baroque style, it features a bold, modernist design that challenges traditional cathedral aesthetics. Like St. Paul, this cathedral is used for worship and spiritual gatherings and holds cultural spiritual events. 

3. Chippendale Chair

The Chippendale Chair combines elements of Gothic, Rococo, and Chinese styles and is renowned for its elegance, craftsmanship, and distinctive features. The chair is upholstered or made of wood like mahogany. with elegant proportions and detailed finishing. The backrest, the most recognizable feature of this chair, features latticework, interlacing patterns, or stylized motifs like ribbons, scrolls, or Gothic arches.

Current Application: Hepplewhite-Style Camelback Dining Chair

The Hepplewhute Style Chair is made by the luxury furniture maker company Baker Furniture. It's made from premium hardwoods and simplified for contemporary interiors. It's similar to the Chippendale chair by featuring motifs like pierced backs and carved details.

One Step Further: Sir Christopher Wren

Sir Christopher Wren was an English architect, mathematician, and astronomer, who was famous for his work in rebuilding London after the Great Fire of 1666. After the fire, he was commissioned to design 52 churches in London including St.Stephen Walbrook and St Bride's Church. His greatest Masterpiece however is the Iconic St. Paul Cathedral. The cathedral symbolized resilience and its grand dome and impressive proportions made it one of the most significant religious buildings in England.