BBC Two · Ended

The Story of English Furniture

History · 1978

Last aired: S1 E10, Twentieth Century · 1979-01-24

A series of ten programmes, spanning six centuries, which features Arthur Negus enjoying his favourite subject - furniture. The story, set against the background of historical events, illustrates the many influences that create the style of a period.

Cast

Arthur Negus Expert

Hugh Scully Presenter

Season 1

E1 Medieval and Elizabethan 1978-11-01 · 25 min The emergence of a distinctive English style in keeping with the bold buccaneering spirit of the age.

E2 Jacobean and Restoration 1978-11-08 · 25 min New kinds of furniture appear and English craftsmanship develops apace, influenced by ideas brought back from the East.

E3 William and Mary 1978-11-15 · 25 min Religious turmoil results in an influx of Continental craftsmen who bring their ideas and skills with them - including the art of marquetry.

E4 Queen Anne and Early Georgian 1978-11-22 · 25 min Cabinet makers exploit the fashion for curved shapes - typified by the new cabriole leg -and the splendid decorative effects that could be achieved in walnut.

E5 Thomas Chippendale 1978-11-29 · 25 min The most famous name in English furniture - the 'high priest of mahogany' who saw the potential of the middle-class market and who started a revolution in design.

E6 Robert Adam 1978-12-06 · 25 min There was no designer anywhere in Europe who employed the Neoclassical style with more vitality or distinction.

E7 Elegance and Utility 1978-12-13 · 25 min Gillows, Hepplewhite and Sheraton exploit the trend. New and exotic woods, brought back from voyages of discovery, are used to great effect.

E8 Regency 1979-01-10 · 25 min The pinnacle of Regency splendour - the Royal Pavilion, Brighton.

E9 Victorian 1979-01-17 · 25 min The Great Exhibition, William Morris, Art Nouveau and a stylistic free-for-all; furniture produced on a scale never seen before.

E10 Twentieth Century 1979-01-24 · 25 min The last programme in the series examines the contribution of the present century and ranges from Edwardian furniture through Utility and on to tubular steel. The final part of the programme is a discussion on the present and future prospects for English furniture, featuring Barry Ereolani, John Makepeace, Arthur Negus and Hugh Scully.

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