Gothic Revival Furniture

This week we're examining Revival Furniture: that which saw a renaissance in the late 19th century of previous styles. The American Revival period spanned from approximately 1840-1875, and examined several different styles of revival furniture.

Gothic Revival furniture was ecclesiastic in nature. Spires, quatrefoils, and high backs marked furniture of this design. The furniture was often made of dark, heavy oak, and had a Midievil feel to it.

The chair to the right exemplifies furniture of that time: note the extreme verticality by the high back; the "spires" on the top of each side rail; the bulbous turnings on the tops of the arms; and the quatrefoils decorating the skirt. This chair is most likely of British descent, though that is based on the wood and and designs used and not something that can be totally defined.

Because it was a brief time period, and because it was heavy and ornamented furniture, there is not a lot on the market. Alternatively, if it is something that you like, know that it only takes one piece to make a mark in a room as it is typically gutsy and strong, so it commands attention. Pieces show up at estate sales and auctions, though it is not considered "fine" by high end collectors simply because it is a revival style as opposed to the originals. However, that might all change as period pieces shrink from the market, and revival styles become attractive because they hold their own.