Antiques Hunter: Gothic Revival Dining Set

Screen Capture from Trade Me (Auctioned Piece Webpage), taken 16/04/12

The very strong representation of the Gothic Revival style in this dining set caught my eye while browsing Trade Me for workable pieces for this assignment.

Mills (n.d.) states that "Heavy woods finished in a dark stain, such as rosewood, oak and walnut, are used to construct Gothic revival furniture." This dining table set done in walnut conveys the strength and durability of Gothic Revival. This marks the passing of much more finicky and delicate Rococo. The furniture created at the time was designed to last. The style was representative of religion, which, since it links to God, conveys longevity.


Image from Trade Me (Auctioned Piece Webpage), taken 16/04/12

Mills (n.d.) also states "Upholstery choices are generally heavy fabrics, such as velvet, brocade or leather." The choice of leather for seat covers is distinctly Gothic. Campbell (2006) states "... Gothic architectural features - Pointed arches, lancets, tracery, crockets, quatrefoils and trefoils, and naturalistic foliage - were applied to furniture...". These features make this piece a very specific style. The quatrefoils cut in the tops of the chairs, along with the arch designs as a stylistic support underneath the table, the foliage design in the legs of the table and the top edge lining, as well as the crocket inlay along the top edges of the chairs; all define this piece and its identity.


Image from Trade Me (Auctioned Piece Webpage), taken 16/04/12

I still have one doubt about the piece. The seller states the piece is "early 1900s", which is at least 40 years after the high point of Gothic Revival, which would mean that it isn't original Gothic Revival, however the style is still heavily imbued into the piece, and it is impossible to doubt the nature of the antique and its workability for this project.

Trade Me Link: http://www.trademe.co.nz/antiques-collectables/furniture-woodenware/furniture/19001949/auction-466962094.htm

References
 
Campbell, G. (2006). The Grove Encyclopedia of Decorative Arts, Volume 1. New York, USA: Oxford University Press.
 
Mills, A. S. (n.d.). Characteristics of Gothic Revival Furniture. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/facts_5730871_characteristics-gothic-revival-furniture.html