Queen Anne Furniture is a classic 18th-century furniture design that evolved before, during, and after the reign of Anne, Queen of Great Britain. The furniture makers of Queen Anne’s time actively developed a style that preserved an air of grandeur while improving furniture adaptability. The earlier period’s majestic furnishings were gradually stripped away by furniture producers in order to develop designs that were multipurpose and sufficiently light to move about a room.
What is the Origin of Queen Anne Furniture?
Queen Anne Furniture was named after Anne, who ruled England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1702 to 1714, during which time they united to form the United Kingdom. The popular furniture design before her time was that of her father, King William III (1650–1722). The “William and Mary” or “Early Baroque” furniture was characterized by heavy shapes that frequently included intricate scrollwork, rounded contours, organic accents, and opulent ornamentation. Queen Anne Furniture eventually made its way to the United States during the Colonial Period where it remained in use until the 1800s. The popularity of Queen Anne Furniture gradually waned especially with the introduction of designs by famous London cabinet-maker Thomas Chippendale (1718-1779).
What are the Characteristics of Queen Anne Furniture?
The classic features of Queen Anne Furniture include:
- Use of deep-toned woods such as walnut, cherry, and maple
- Curving, “S”-shaped feet, legs, crest rails, arms, and pediments
- Simple decorations, sometimes featuring fan or shell motifs or embossed patterns on the furniture surface through japanning
- Pad feet and cabriole legs, the latter being the “most recognizable element” of Queen Anne Furniture
Queen Anne Chairs usually have yoke-shaped top rails with splats shaped like a vase or violin, as in the Hogarth chair. The seat may be shaped like a compass or horseshoe and lack upholstery.
Settee and easy chairs that are upholstered feature printed cotton, wool, or silk damask, and floral or pictorial needlework.
