Early Tudor Furniture 1485-1558
- Jan 15
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 5
History
The Tudor era begins with the coronation of King Henry VII in 1485, marking the end of the Middle Ages in Britain and the beginning of the English Renaissance.
Chairs are rare and would often be reserved for the Lord of the manor - with benches and stools provided for guests.
Advancements in construction techniques towards the end of this era lead to the use of more sophisticated joinery methods, replacing primitive plank construction, and making furniture easier to move around the home.
From around 1530 an Italian Renaissance influence results in the use of more decorative carving and ornamentation.
Box chairs, like the one on the left, were supported by paneling rather than legs, which often would result in them being heavy and rarely moved - many even having an enclosed area beneath the seat used for storage.
The paneling on this chair showcases a lovely example of the linenfold carvings typical of this era.
Techniques & Materials
Stools and chairs might have had cushions to add luxury and comfort, but upholstered furniture was rare and rudimentary. Materials therefore are mostly wood and techniques carved.
● Solid oak
● Hand carved wood panels
● Stuffed loose cushions
Design & Style
Due to King Henry VIII’s break from Rome, the country was isolated from the main flow of continental fashions. As a result, the main style is still Gothic, with some influences making it past the border later on.
● Strong & heavy construction
● Imposing & bulky
● Plain straight legs or panels
● Functional and often uncomfortable
● Ornate carvings - Tudor Rose & linenfold motifs
Glastonbury Armchair
The name of this chair comes from Glastonbury Abbey in Somersetshire. A characteristic of this chair is the X shaped legs and side rails, which are made separately and joined by bars passing through the legs with wooden pins holding it into place at the
junction. The arms are shaped to provide support at the elbows and are attached to the front bar of the seat. These chairs were designed to be easily dismantled and transported in pieces.
● Solid oak
● Heavy and functional
● Loose cushion
● Dark heavy stain overall
● Hand carved guilloche pattern with flower set within lozenge
Tudor Armchair
This is a simple, strong chair, used in private houses.
However, there would rarely be more than one or two of these in a single household.
These would typically be used by the Lord of the manor, with other members of the family and guests expected to use stools and benches.
● Solid oak
● Strong and sturdy
● Functional
● Loose cushion possibly used
● Legs are simple with rails and stretchers
● Dark heavy stain overall
● Basic decorative elements carved within the panel glued to the back of the chair
The images for this blog are sourced from www.metmuseum.org and collections.vam.ac.uk - links to individual information pages can be explored by clicking on the images themselves.