Relevant categories: Bookcases
(Above photo - Pair Regency Open front bookcases )
The Regency period was defined by a unique furniture style that cuts across the different pieces. Of course, there are chairs, tables, sideboards, and so on. The Regency open bookcase is an example of a furniture piece designed during that period. It was designed with open shelves capable of holding books in the home library.
Before we delve deeper into the open bookcase, let’s focus on the Regency period in general. The Regency period lasted for more than 40 years between 1795 and 1837. At that time, the Prince of Wales became Regent. He rules on behalf of his father, who had lost his mind. Later on, the Regent became King George V, after the death of his father. Even though the Regent had some influence on the furniture produced during this time, significant designs were done by Thomas Sheraton.
(Above photo - Regency waterfall open front bookcase ) During the Regency period, Britain went through one of the most significant cultural refinements and achievements. Coming just before the Victorian period, the era shaped the societal structure for the country, and perhaps the world. The furniture, including Regency Open Bookcases, was designed to incorporate different designs from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
Major Designers
(Above photo - Pair Open Bookcases - Sheraton Regency Mahogany Bookcase ) The Regency period begins only nine years after the death of renowned furniture designer George Heppelwhite. Therefore, the furniture has some elements borrowed from one of the most celebrated designers in British history. However, it is Thomas Sheraton that is thought to be the most significant influence on furniture styles during the Regency period.
Sheraton lived at the same time as another famous designer called Thomas Hope. It was Hope, who is said to have introduced design elements from Ancient Egypt and Greece into English furniture design. Hope was definitely the first person to use Egyptian and Greek ornament in an 1807 publication titled: Household Furniture and Interior Decoration.
(Above photo - Pair Mahogany Regency open fronted bookcases ) Admiral Nelson also greatly influenced the Regency furniture style. He is thought to have introduced the use of ebony decorations to represent mourning. When he died, some chair carvings imitated his draped sarcophagus. Other elements attributed to the admiral include seafaring motifs such as carved anchors, dolphins, and rope.
Major Features
(Above photo - Walnut Bookcase - Single Sheraton Regency Open Bookcases )
Just like the other types of furniture, Regency Open Bookcases had some distinct features, including the following:
A dark, dense wood, mostly mahogany, has used either in its solid form or veneered. For the open bookcases, the most commonly used is rosewood, especially after 1800. It is not uncommon to find open bookcases made entirely from rosewood. Also used was satinwood.
• Large brass or bronze inlays were used on bookcases made from exotic ebony and zebrawood. Apart from the inlays, some furniture pieces also featured a gilded metal mounts or accents.
• Fixed shelves in succeeding tiers even though some open bookshelves would have a drawer. The drawer handles would be made from bronze or brass. Even so, several open bookcases had adjustable shelves. Did you know that you can still get genuine Regency Bookcases on the market today? Always ensure that you only buy from the right place.
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