English Period

Early 1550-1660

England was the last to fall into the renaissance due to the fact it is an island. The climate of this area was temperate but wet with snow and rain. Steeply pitched roofs were used as well as protected porches and fireplaces in every room. Large windows were used to let in light and warmth. The materials available to the English were the stones of Cornwall and large oak forests. Due to their proximity to the sea, the English were accomplished boat builders and wood workers. During this time, the design periods were named after the rulers. The Early English Renaissance was the age of oak.
The Tudor design period was during the time of Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Mary. During the Tudor time, Henry VIII and the Pope in Rome. The King became the lead of the church in England and many changes happened, like an increase in houses and land was given to the wealthy merchants and traders. Tudor Architecture is associated with timber framed construction. There was a focus on churches and official buildings.The visible sign of wealth and comfort stemmed from the fireplace. Tudor furniture was Gothic in spirit and boxlike.
The Elizabethan period lasted from 1558-1603 and was a period of great wealth. Indigo Jones was a very famous architect of the time and introduced Renaissance architecture in England. His accomplishments include the Queens house and the Tulip Staircase. He had a focus on classical proportions and Palladio design. During the Elizabethan period, houses were built in the shape of either an E, C, or H. They had gateways, long drives, and formal gardens and parks.The development of the cupboard happened during this time. Beds were large and luxurious without a foot-board. The residential homes of the time were much more simple with one room at first and more added with wealth.
The Jacobean style was named after James I and was a continuation of the Elizabethan style. Interiors included plastered ceilings and wood panels painted white. The furniture of the time had less heavy detailing but heavy carving as well as slimmed down melon-bulbs, spiral turns, and upholstery. The fireplace was the focal point of the room and rooms were adorned with carvings of garland, embroidered silks and oriental rugs.



Classic Examples

Tulip Staircase-Indigo Jones, Elizabethan

Hardwick Hall- Elizabethan

Great Bed of Ware-Elizabethan

Gateleg Table-Jacobean


Modern Examples

Modern Settle Chair-Tudor

Modern Tudor interior

Modern Cupboard

Peer Review:
Alecia: I liked how she went into lots of great detail about the time and the furniture. She had great pictures to go along with it as well
Paige P: She had a really nice summary of the time period and had really good examples.