Early English Renaissance

This period lasted from 1550-1660. The Design periods of this time were named after the rulers. This was the age of oak. The periods were Tudor, named after Henry VII, Edward VI, and Mary, Elizabethan was named after Elizabeth I, Jacobean was named after James I and Charles I, and Cromweillian. The Middle Renaissance lasted from 1660-1750. This period was influenced by William and Mary and was the age of walnut. This called the Restoration, Stuart, or Carolina Period, and was influenced by Charles II and James II. The Early Georgian period was named after George I and a portion of George II's reign. This was also called the early Chippendale period. The Late Renaissance period lasted from 1750-1830. The periods of this time were Middle Georgian, named after George II and George III, and was the age of mahogany. Another was Late Georgian, which was during the end of George III's reign. Styles included Adam, Chippendale, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton, and was the age of satinwood. A few other periods were the Regency, influenced by the French empire, and the Neoclassical period.
English architecture was the last to fall to the Renaissance. The first indication of change in style was in ornamentation and then form followed. The English Renaissance was so late because they are isolated form the continent. This also allowed for forms to developed on their own. The climate and materials influenced English architecture as well.
The climate directly impacted architectural design. Gothic cathedrals sheltered the nave and side aisles. French doors opened directly into the church, and the windows were larger in England which allowed for more light and warmth.
The materials also impacted design. Stones of Cornwall and Devonshire are very hard, which meant that sculptured ornament was nearly impossible. The large oak forests in England contributed to the timbered roofs. Their proximity to the sea contributed to the country's woodworking skills, which was greatly seen through boat building.
The Tudor style started from conflict between Henry VIII and the Pope in Rome. The King became the head of church in England. From this laws were set in place to suppress the number of monasteries and confiscation of land. There was an increase in the number of houses and land was given to wealthy merchants and traders. The Tudor style is associated with the timber frame construction. The Tudor period officially marks the start of the Renaissance. Within the Renaissance there was a focus on churches, official buildings, and furnishing programs. A staple in design was the visible signs of luxury and comfort included in the fireplace. This style had a Gothic spirit. It was full of box-like chairs, chests, beds, and trestle tables. A trestle table is thick wood top on four turned and carved legs with heavy stretchers. However, furniture was sparse in this period.
The Elizabethan period's time span stretched through Elizabeth I and James I reign, from 1558-1625. This was a period of great wealth. Many manors and country houses were built. Indigo Jones, and famous builder, was popular at this time, and this was the time of Shakespearean plays. Indigo jones introduced Renaissance architecture to England. His work relies on Italian Renaissance architect Palladio. Building plans were always in the shapes of E, C, or H. There were gateways, long drives, and formal gardens and parks. There was a shift to Renaissance at Hardwick Hall, and there was a shift to more glass than wall. Plans included a great hall, grand staircase, and long galleries with smaller rooms like bedrooms, chapels, and kitchens. The great hall was was 2 stories high, had oak paneling to 8-10' high, an the walls above were clad with armor, portraits, and trophies. The long gallery has a 10' high fireplace, ornamental plaster on the ceilings, it is paneled or covered with tapestries, and is light inside. Smaller houses were also built outside the walls of the castles. The simplest had one room, and rooms were added with wealth. Oak wood was popular until walnut arose at the end of the 17th century. The cupboard developed, which is a series of enclosed shelves with doors on the front. Large and draped 4-poster beds were popular but they didn't have footboards. Beds were large and luxurious. It was the main piece of furniture in the home and was used for entertaining. The Great Bed of Ware was tudor rose and had arcaded panels.
The Jacobean Style was during King James I's reign and was a continuation of the Elizabethan style. Interiors included plaster ceilings and paneling, but now it was painted white. Jacobean furniture had lighter details, was heavily carved, melon-bulbs were slimmed down, there were spiral turns, and upholstery.
Indigo Jones introduced Palladian style to England. Jones was responsible for the acceptance of Italian Renaissance architecture in England. The Palladian Renaissance can be seen at the Banqueting House in London and has classical proportions.
Interiors of this time were masculine and were paneled in natural oak. White ceilings were covered in elaborate plaster molding. The fireplace was a focal point. There was garland of fruit, collage, etc. which can be attributed to the master carver, Grinling Gibbons. There were also oriental rugs and embroidered silk.

Past Examples:

Currenct Examples:




Extra Credit:
This is a brief documentary on the English Renaissance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_z-CoEEcTxA
This is a short video touring a traditional Tudor home:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGmMgpYY8kk
Peer Review:
Becca: Becca did a  really nice job of covering the main jist of the Early English Renaissance and did a nice job incorporating her images.
Emma: Emma did a great job simplifying the material and I really like her current application images.