Replies

1. 
   Harmonica | May 24, 2008 05:03am | #1

   CYoung,
   I am somewhat new to woodworking and I had a lot of the same questions. There are some good articles here on the FW site that should help. In general, the different phases of furniture style are somewhat defined by the wood that was used. During the middle ages, oak was commonly used. Style tended to be heavy and not very sophisticated. Furniture from this time period does not tend to be associated with a specific builder. As the new world was explored mahogany was discovered and became the next great furniture wood. This period lasted from the 1600s up into the 1800s. A number of great individual makers worked during this time. As the 1800s progressed, cheaper, factory made furniture became prevalent. Personal wealth was also changing during this time and more people had the extra cash to buy furniture. The Arts and Crafts movement began in England as a response to these cheaply made furnishings. This movement began in the late 1800s with a return to the use of oak by many (not all) of the makers. There was an emphasis on fine handmade joinery with style drawn from the middle ages as well as the orient. Simultaneous with the Arts and Crafts movement, and drawing from it came Art Nouveau. With the 20th century came an evolution to Art Deco followed by modernism or post-modernism. I get a little more fuzzy about the more modern stuff.

   My favorite designers/architects would be the Greene brothers. They worked in southern California from around 1890 to 1910. Though there work falls into the category of Arts and Crafts they designed primarily in mahogany and other tropical woods. There is also a strong Japanese influence in their work. The Gamble House has a great online tour. I have made some reproductions from that house.

   Learning about furniture is one of those subjects that can just about take a lifetime. I hope you enjoy your study.

   Tim Henshaw
   Roanoke, Virginia

2. 
   GEide | Jul 22, 2008 09:21pm | #2

   Dear CYoung,

   I was just going to archive this thread and wanted to add a couple links to the post. Did you find design articles on our site? Here are some specific ones that might be of interest: 

    

   General design articles:

    

   A Short History of Design: http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/ProjectsAndDesign/ProjectsAndDesignPDF.aspx?id=2685

    

   A Short History on Regional Design

   http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/ProjectsAndDesign/ProjectsAndDesignAllAbout.aspx?id=22908

    

   Yale has an interesting guide to colonial furniture:
   http://artgallery.yale.edu/pdf/exhibitions/colonial_furniture_guide.pdf

    

   For more info on Shaker style, read Elements of Shaker Style:

   http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/ProjectsAndDesign/ProjectsAndDesignPDF.aspx?id=2545

    

   Or, check out Christian Becksvoort's book on the subject: Shaker Legacy http://store.taunton.com/onlinestore/item/the-shaker-legacy-christian-becksvoort-070488.html 

    

   We have a lot of content on Arts and Crafts style:  

    

   A Guide to Arts and Crafts: http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/ProjectsAndDesign/ProjectsAndDesignPDF.aspx?id=2841

    

   Craftsmen behind Greene and Greene:

   http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/subscription/ProjectsAndDesign/ProjectsAndDesignArticle.aspx?id=27100

    

   Craftsman/Harvey Ellis style:

   http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/ProjectsAndDesign/ProjectsAndDesignPDF.aspx?id=2076

    

   Article on Gustav Stickley:

   http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/ProjectsAndDesign/ProjectsAndDesignPDF.aspx?id=1971

    

   Here are two period related pieces of content as well:

    

   Primer on Queen Anne Style:

   http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/ProjectsAndDesign/ProjectsAndDesignPDF.aspx?id=1979

    

   Audio Slideshow looking at regional style variations in American furniture

   http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/subscription/ProjectsAndDesign/ProjectsAndDesignArticle.aspx?id=27179

    

   Anyway, it's a belated response, but I just wanted to chime in with some links for your perusal.

    

   Gina

   FineWoodworking.com

1. 
   gatordoc | Aug 10, 2008 04:10am | #3

   The best description of style features and evolution of one style to another that I have ever seen is in: American Furniture of the 18th Century
   Jeffrey P. Greene History, Technique, and StructureHardcover, Taunton Press
   $45.00It is limited to classical styles mostly (Chippendale, Federal, etc) but is a wonderful piece of writing. My furniture library now numbers over 100 volumes, and this is easily one of the top 5 and the top of its type.Steve

1. 
   GEide | Aug 11, 2008 04:18pm | #4

   Good point. I bought that book myself last year. It also includes detailed construction info and drawings that are helpful for furnituremakers. Gina, FineWoodworking.com