Customer Reviews

Classic English Design and Antiques: Period Styles and Furniture

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My hopes were dashed again when I received this book, but I guess its my fault this time. I assumed (from the beautiful cover) that I would be getting a book showcasing traditional interiors, but what I got instead was something that resembled a Sothebys auction catalogue -- that is, a book featuring tasteful English furniture & gewgaws from the inventory of Hyde Park Antiques. There were a few shots of interiors scattered here & there, but they weren't that interesting. (Where's the sagging couch with the half-finished needlepoint, hello?) I wish the people who write blurbs for these books would stop name-dropping my favourite designers (Bunny Williams, you are a goddess!) so I won't keep wasting my money on these expensive doorstoppers. [Maximum Toile weeps in disappointment.] Sniffles.

In the United States we tend to think of antiques as something our grandmother had, or perhaps something that goes back as far as the Civil War. In English history, in English antiques, that isn't old at all. And the quintessential source for as new condition, museum quality English antique furniture in the United States for the past forty years has been Hyde Park Antiques in New York City.

As Mr. Buatta says: 'The gallery is like a living museum, with the important difference being that you not only get to touch the objects, you have the unparalleled pleasure of being able to take them home with you.'

This book is a beautifully photographed, exquisitely printed collection of some 150 items from the gallery. It is organized by date, beginning with William and Mary & Queen Anne style dating from their reign (1689-1714).

These photographs are accompanied by drawings and photographs of rooms from English (and a few imitation) homes that illustrate how this furniture was combined with other items, perhaps English, Indian or oriental to create English rooms.

This Book was purchased as a Christmas Gift for a long-time antique collector and enthusiast. She was delighted with the quality of the photographs and information presented, and the beautiful binding and overall presentation.

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL BOOK ON CLASSIC ENGLISH DESIGN AND A TRIBUTE TO THE HYDE PARK ANTIQUE BUSINESS...WELL WORTH HAVING IN A COLLECTORS LIBRARY....I LOVE LOOOKING AT THE PICTURES OVER AND OVER AGAIN.....

On Wednesday December 6, 2006 on her TV show, Martha Stewart featured a small number of coffee table books for the holiday season. One of her favorites was this book: Classic English Design and Antiques by Emily Eerdmans. She said - and I quote - "This is a fantastic, fantastic book."

After reading it myself, I must agree Martha had it right. Visually stunning, thoroughly researched and beautifully written - an aesthetic, scholarly and literary tour de force. In short, as Martha said, a fantastic, fantastic book.

Andrew J McKeon