Bly, John: English Furniture
Princes Risborough: Shire Publications
ISBN 978-0-74780-786-5
In this compact overview, John Bly - well-known from the BBC programme Antiques Roadshow - guides us through the history of English furniture from the Middle Ages to Art Nouveau. He vividly describes stylistic developments, construction methods and materials used. Famous names such as Sheraton, Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Pugin are placed in their historical context and their formative influences on design are emphasised. Particular attention is paid to the transition from Baroque splendour to Georgian clarity, Victorian opulence and the creative renewal through Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau.