Commonwealth Period

Commonwealth Period Furniture

English Period Commonwealth Furniture 1649-1660

Puritan Cromwells overthrew the monarchy, which saw the strict abolition of all frivolity.

The Puritan scorned even the subdued richness of the Jacobeans. Therefore function prevailed over decoration. Any mouldings were applied rather than carved.

Cromwellean Style Characteristics

Furniture followed basic shapes and had to be useful.

Furniture with straight severe lines without carving or other enrichments.
Simple bobbin turning was most common.

For the first time chairs were made in sets with the front stretcher rail placed higher and often with two sets of side stretcher rail

Cromwellian Chair c. 1655

Leather was used to replace rich velvet and tapestries.

Stuffed seats and backs were far too luxurious to be permitted.

Slung seats and backs were used.

Open slat chair backs.