The Sheraton Period [antikvár]

INTRODUCTION In compiling the first four volumes of this series, covering the four great periods in the development of English Furniture, from Tudor to Georgian times, the writers have very naturally in turn held a brief for each period. In Volume I, whilst extolling the delights of old oak in general, and sideboards, coffers, and draw-tables in particular from the purely decorative point of view, they frankly warned the reader that very little in the direction of absolute comfort could be expected from the farm-house settle, joyned stool, or angular and unyielding arm-chair. The Elizabethan oak bedstead was practically dismissed as unhygienic, even if, from its extreme rarity and consequent high value, it came within hail of the modest collector. In Volume II (written, as in the case of Volume I, in collaboration with Mr. J. P. Blake), dealing with the Queen Anne period, a claim was advanced that the prevailing curves in the outlines and the more ample proportions introduced under Dutch influence brought the walnut-wood seats well within the range of practical household politics; whilst the roomy wardrobes, escritoires, and IV Y b