English Furniture

A lavishly illustrated examination of English furniture, written by one of the most respected individuals in his field, and long term 'Antiques Roadshow' expert, John Bly.

The story of English furniture begins in the sixteenth century, when crude medieval tables and stools gave way to more sophisticated, jointed designs. This book reveals that the Tudor furniture is the earliest to survive. It concludes with a masterclass in detecting the alterations and fakery that can affect the value of a piece of furniture.The story of English furniture really begins in the sixteenth century, when crude medieval tables and stools gave way to more sophisticated, jointed designs. This Tudor furniture is the earliest to survive in any quantity, and it is where John Bly begins his history of English furniture. Changing fashions, influences, materials, and manufacturing techniques have all had an impact on English furniture, causing it to change over the decades, sometimes quite suddenly. Each of these changes is fully explained, as oak gives way to walnut, and then mahogany; as furniture becomes finer and more formal and the great names - Chippendale, Sheraton and Hepplewhite - emerge. This seminal work concludes with a masterclass in detecting the alterations and fakery that can significantly affect the value of a piece of furniture.