The Story of English Furniture

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•1978

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Episodes

1. Medieval and Elizabethan

Hugh Scully and Arthur Negus go back in time to the medieval and Elizabethan period to explore the emergence of a distinctive English style of furniture, in keeping with the bold buccaneering spirit of the age.

2. Jacobean and Restoration

Hugh Scully and Arthur Negus take a closer look at furniture made in the Jacobean and Restoration period. Designs of the era were severe until a Continental influence arrived with the Restoration of Charles II, bringing a more luxurious, elaborate look.

3. William and Mary

When William and Mary ascended the throne, an influx of Dutch and German craftsmen meant the baroque style was in vogue. This period also saw the decline in popularity of marquetry.

4. Queen Anne and Early Georgian

In the days of Queen Anne and the early Georgian period, over-ornamentation was out, while walnut and mahogany were the woods of choice. Hugh Scully talks about William Kent, the first architect to design furniture.

5. Thomas Chippendale

The most famous name in English furniture, the 'high priest of mahogany', who saw the potential of the middle-class market and who started a revolution in design. Presented by Hugh Scully.

6. Robert Adam

This edition focuses on the work and classical styles of 18th-century Scottish architect and furniture-maker Robert Adam.

7. Elegance and Utility

Hugh Scully and Arthur Negus look at the work of Gillows, Hepplewhite and Sheraton and see how new and exotic woods, brought back from voyages of discovery, are used to great effect.

8. Regency

Hugh Scully and Arthur Negus explore the splendour of the Regency period, as reflected in the flamboyant Royal Pavilion in Brighton.

9. Victorian

The Great Exhibition, William Morris, art nouveau and a stylistic free-for-all. Hugh Scully and Arthur Negus explore the Victorian period, when furniture was produced on a scale never seen before.

10. Twentieth Century

The last programme in the series examines the contribution of the 20th century and ranges from Edwardian furniture through Utility and on to tubular steel. The final part of the programme is a discussion on the present and future prospects for English furniture, featuring Barry Ereolani, John Makepeace, Arthur Negus and Hugh Scully.