The Queen Anne Furniture emerged during the 18th century before, during, and after the reign of Anne, Queen of Great Britain. During Queen Anne’s reign, furniture designers worked hard to create a look that kept a sense of grandeur while enhancing furniture flexibility. Furniture manufacturers gradually removed the opulent furnishings from past eras to create designs that were versatile and light enough to move around a room.
What is the History of Queen Anne Furniture?
Queen Anne ruled England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1702 until 1714, when they combined to become the United Kingdom. Her father, King William III, was responsible for the popular furniture design prior to her period (1650–1722). The furniture is known as “William and Mary” or “Early Baroque”. The furniture of this period was distinguished by heavy designs that usually featured complex scrollwork, rounded proportions, organic accents, and lavish ornamentation.
Eventually, during the Colonial Era, Queen Anne Furniture found its way to the United States where it was in use until the 1800s. Queen Anne Furniture’s appeal progressively declined, especially after designs by renowned London cabinetmaker Thomas Chippendale were introduced (1718-1779).
What are the Classic Marks of Queen Anne Furniture?
There are distinct marks that characterize Queen Anne Furniture.
Queen Anne Furniture is often made of deep-tone woods like maple, cherry, and walnut. Queen Anne Furniture features curved, S-shaped feet, arms, legs, crest rails, and pediments. The pad feet and cabriole legs of Queen Anne Furniture are two of its most distinctive features. Designs are simple with occasional fans, shell motifs, or embossed patterns.
As with the Hogarth chair, Queen Anne chairs typically feature yoke-shaped top rails with splats fashioned like a vase or violin. The seat does not have any upholstery and comes in a compass or horseshoe form.
The upholstered Queen Anne settee and armchairs have printed cotton, wool, or silk damask with floral or figural stitching.
