David Linley Bücher

The complete guide to furniture design through the ages, from international expert Judith Miller. Features thousands of beautifully illustrated pieces and unsurpassed coverage including historical and contextual notes, influences, decorative features and motifs, materials, construction, profiles of designers, workshops and key movements, and themed collections with price evaluations.

Focusing on the rich heritage of British craftsmanship, this book highlights nearly extinct crafts that have been revitalized, showcases thriving contemporary practices, and introduces emerging artisans poised to inspire future generations. It serves as both a tribute to traditional skills and a call to action for preserving the art of making in a modern context.

Furniture possesses unique star qualities, serving as both functional and decorative elements that connect us to history and distant places, much like a Renaissance painting or a cherished photograph. It engages our senses: we admire how it transforms a dull room, feel its sleek lines and soft fabrics, hear creaking hinges, and inhale the rich scents of wood and leather. The authors, experts in the field, delve into furniture's intellectual and emotional significance, guiding readers on aesthetic assessment through styles, techniques, and materials. They explore twenty golden ages of furniture design, from ancient civilizations to the twentieth century, highlighting pivotal moments such as Ming in China, Baroque in Italy and France, Chippendale in England, and Neoclassicism across Europe. They also showcase contemporary international designers who view furniture as fine art or appreciate the craftsmanship involved. The authors provide insights on how to enrich interiors with standout pieces, commission unique handmade items, and purchase antiques. With contributions from David Linley, Charles Cator, and Helen Chislett, their combined expertise offers unparalleled guidance. The text is enriched with diverse illustrations, showcasing details of carving, ornamentation, and various styles in both historic and modern contexts.