Classical Furniture [Hardcover]

David Linley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 1993

David Linley, who specializes in creating fine furniture in a modern classical idiom, surveys classicism, from its origins in Ancient Greece and its rebirth in Renaissance Italy to its Golden Age in 18th-century France, England and America. He traces the gradual spread of classical ideas through Europe in the centuries after Palladia and the eventual translation of the themes of form, proportion and ornament into furniture of the highest quality. The influence of architects such as Kent, Holland and the Adam brothers, who helped to define the classical furniture traditions, is assessed and the work of designers such as Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Sheraton is suitably celebrated. A pattern book of classical furniture designs is provided in a Directory of Furniture which covers the evolution of styles in chairs and tables, cabinets and screens, sofas and daybeds, and demonstrates that even in virtuoso displays of marquetry, carving and inlay an ideal balance was maintained between elegance and practicality. In a final chapter on arrangement and display, Linley explores ways of linking old and new design, and shows how classical furniture can be combined with modern - both sympathetically and with character - in the design and layout of present-day interiors.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Classicism continues to be a dominant principle in Western design, and nowhere has the sense of beauty, harmony, and proportion been more evident than in the design of furniture. Linley traces classicism from its origins in ancient Greece to other parts of the world, including interesting historical facts and insight into lifestyles. A student of fine crafting and a furniture designer and maker--as well as Princess Margaret's son--Linley is well qualified for the discussions of materials and methods used. Of particular interest is his directory of furniture, which illustrates the evolution of styles in chairs, tables, settees, sideboards, desks, dressers, and firescreens. Included are excellent black-and-white line sketches and rich color photographs. While not necessary for a limited collection, this will be of interest to art and architectural students.
- Barbara Bartos, St. Croix Cty. Lib., Hammond, Wis.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (September 30, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810931885
• ISBN-13: 978-0810931886
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 10.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,029,114 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent book on Classicism and Fine Furniture!, August 2, 2000

By 

sherri j. thorne (brooklyn, new york United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classical Furniture (Hardcover)

I must confess that I was very pleasantly surprised and delighted by this excellent, first book outing by David Linley! It is an excellent survey of the history of classicism from its origins in ancient Greece, to the influence of Architect Andrea Palladio, throughout Europe, England and the rest of the world. Linley is an excellent modern day interpreter of classicism, which is evident by his furniture designs which are featured throughout this beautiful book. He goes into detail about the great furniture makers such as, Chippendale, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton. He also discusses the influence of some of the great architects such as Adam and Kent. I had the good luck to see up close, one of Linley's biggest commissions: The conference table in The Board of Trustee's Room at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which was more than cleverly done. In years to come, he will unquestionably be regarded as one of the great modern interpeters of classical furniture ever. This book is a MUST for anyone who loves fine furniture.

5.0 out of 5 stars David Liney's book "EXTRAORDINARY FURNITURE", October 7, 2009

By 

Randall E. Taylor (Concord California) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Classical Furniture (Hardcover)

Absolutely wonderful and informative books. If you're and antique buff the illustrations in these books are beautifully and brilliantly photographed and will take your breath away. I highly recommend both "CLASSICAL FURNITURE" and EXTRAORDINARY FURNITURE, both by David Linley.
R. Taylor