A History of English Furniture: The Age of Oak

The Age of Oak in English furniture began in the Tudor period and continued to the middle of the 17th century. The beautiful, ornate detailing followed on from the Gothic period, which preceded it. Oak also brought about the production of more solid, sturdy pieces of furniture as well as the increased use of joined, frame and panel techniques later used for chest and dresser making.

Some of the most significant influences on oak furniture design came from craftsmen brought over by Henry VII, from Spain, Italy and the Netherlands. They brought about renewed inspiration for classical furniture features and which coined another term for this particular period – that of the ‘English Renaissance’.

With 215 illustrations and 15 colour plates. The illustrations are discussed in detail in the text.

Read more