The History of Rattan Furniture

Are you choosing new garden furniture? Have you considered Rattan? This astounding material has a rich history and deserves a place in every fine garden.

Here’s why –

Rattan is a vine that can grow to incredible lengths. Its native home is the tropical climates of Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. It has been a popular material for centuries in this country and is still used to this day to make baskets, chairs and various pieces of furniture.

Rattan is over 5000 years old and was very popular amongst the ancient Egyptians. Furniture made from the material has been dug up from various excavation sites and was the material of choice for Egyptian royals. The ancient Egyptians also used the vine to make boats, chariots and baskets.

Rattan is a vine that can grow to incredible lengths. Its native home is the tropical climates of Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. It has been a popular material for centuries in this country and is still used to this day to make baskets, chairs and various pieces of furniture.

Rattan furniture was first produced in the US in the 1800′s and became very popular amongst Victorians. This was due to the Victorian obsession with germs and cleanliness which came about after scientific revelations concerning bacteria.

Rattan was considered to be a great deal cleaner and more hygienic that upholstered furniture and became a well used alternative to furniture covered in material.

Rattan did not lose favour as a new century dawned, stylish bright young things found that it’s pared down, minimalist style fitted in perfectly with the burgeoning Art Deco and Modernist movements.

Synthetic Rattan began to emerge in the late 1930′s when the war brought about a shortage of wicker. It was made by packing paper under thin steel wire so it could be woven on a loom in the same way as natural wicker. The synthetic material became very popular as it was reasonably priced and could be produced anywhere.

Today, the material in its natural form is regaining popularity, and Rattan garden furniture is particularly popular. The durable material is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use and can be an elegant addition to any conservatory or outside space.

So if you are in the process of choosing garden furniture then keep Rattan in mind. Choosing Rattan could be the wisest choice you will make, a beautiful Rattan Garden Furniture set will put a smile on your face whenever you look at it for many years to come.

The history of English antique furniture

Antiques are old collectible items that are valuable because of their age, beauty, rarity, condition and personal emotional connections. Antiques represent a previous era or time period, and generally refer to objects that are at least 100 years old. They show some degree of craftsmanship and a certain attention to design, and can be bought from antique dealers, auction services, or even online through websites and online auctions.

 

Antique furniture is a popular area of antiques, due to the practical characteristics of these objects – they can still be used as well as admired. Antique furniture includes dining tables, chairs, chests, bureaus. They are most commonly made of mahogany, oak, pine, walnut and rosewood. There are a number of different styles of English antique furniture depending on when and where it was made.

 

The Tudor and Elizabeth Periods: Early English furniture was made from oak and other trees such as beech, chestnut and cypress wood. The Tudor Period in England consisted of the time when Henry VII, Henry VIII and Edward VI ruled (1485-1558), and this saw great advancement in the making of furniture. Henry VIII encouraged both English and foreign craftsmen and cabinet makers to work in England. The Elizabethan Period followed from 1558-1603, under Queen Elizabeth’s rule. She encouraged craftsmen to design and make furniture for the Royal Palaces, and many different styles became incorporated into classic furniture such as gothic designs and the addition of ivory, box, cherry and ebony.

 

The William and Mary and Queen Anne Periods: In the early 1600′s, oak was still the primary wood used by craftsmen. The use of mirrors also became prominent. The William and Mary Period (1689 – 1702) saw the use of walnut, olivewood and laburnum as well. The Queen Anne Period (1702-1727) produced its own style, with the introduction of the Windsor chair, made in elm and fruitwoods.

 

The Georgian and Regency Period: The Georgian Period (1727-1820) is well known as being the classic furniture period. The new wood which was used in this period was mahogany, and this era was captivated by talented designers such as Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Sheraton. The Regency Period (1800-1830) reflected the empire design, and furniture in this era was more subtle. The main wood used as rosewood.

 

The Victorian Period: The Victorian Period (1837 – 1901) was recognized as the era where English antique furniture became heavier in design. The main woods used were mahogany, rosewood and satinwood. The well known cabinet designers – Holland and Sons, Gillows and others used excellent materials to produce furniture of the highest quality. Ultimately, furniture from this era is some of the finest ever produced.

 

Facts And History Of Antique Pendants

Going back in history 15000 years ago, man probably wore the first jewelry piece in Africa. It was made of bone. It took some more time till pendants made their presence. The earliest finding suggests that antique pendants go back to 300 BC. There is a colorful description of a ‘lavender resin pendant in an ornate marcasite setting with one crystal stone’, which possibly goes back to Hohokam town in Arizona in the year 300 BC when the town’s culture was that everyone wore different forms of jewelry in bone, turquoise and shell.

Historical pendants are now available off the shelf. There is this beautiful gold pendant from 324 AD during the reign of Constantine the Great! But that is not all. The Internet has made it possible to market antique pendants going back in time. There is therefore a 1675 French cross pendant, an 1877 Bishops Cross with coat of arms of Pope Pius IX, an 18th century Belgian golden diamond pendant from 1780 among others.

Considering that the Victorian jewelry period was during 1836-1901, Edwardian period was during 1901-1920, Art Deco during 1920-1935 and retro till 1950, the present day market is flush with historical pendants. You can pick up a precious rose cut diamonds cross pendant in 18 ct gold from the 1650s, an antique filigree locket pendant in 18 ct gold from the Victorian era or a Napoleon and Marie Louise remembrance pendant in 18 ct gold. You could order a beautiful Victorian medallion showing a figure with a winged helmet, probably Mercury, with a wreath of acorns and oak leaf in 18 ct gold among other antique pendants.

We have evolved from our ancestral days in our concept of pendants. The earliest pendants would have lacked the sophistication and the sheer beauty of today’s modern pendants. But, this evolution would have been due not only to technology, discovery of newer metals and alloys but the manner in which man has evolved culturally.

The Victorian Era – The Era of Culture and History

The Victorian era is supposed to be the era between the year 1840 and the year 1901. However some critics do say that the Victorian era started in the year 1837 itself. In fact I do agree with this fact and the year 1840 is just used as the approximation. This was the time when the queen Victoria ruled over the England. And hence on behalf of her name this period is called the Victorian Era.

The culture of the England during this period used to be very vast and lots of things were done during this period related to the art and culture. I have a lot to say about the culture of the Victorian era. But first let us think about the history.

The Victorian age is marked by the reign of the great Queen Victoria. She ruled between the years 1837 till 1901. Hence this era is known as the Victorian period or also the Victorian period. This period was the time of the prosperity and marks the broad imperial expansion. The period marks the beginning of the second English renaissance. You can call this age as one of the most complex ages as far as the England is concerned. It was this period which marks the beginning of the modern period.

The idea of the Marxism, socialism, feminism was quiet prominent during this period. The field of science and development saw a great change during this period. The invention of the steam engine during this period really marked the starting of the industrial revolution. England had many colonies around the world and during this time the England saw the revolt taking place in almost all the colonies.

Let us now talk about the culture. And it is really pleasing to talk about the culture during this period. The description is as follows:

Victorian literature

In fact I had a lot to say about the work being done during this period in the field of literature. The novels which were written by Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, Walter Scott, William Makepeace Thackeray, Trollope and Thomas Hardy are some of the best novels in the entire history of the art and literature of England. Especially Charles dickens became quiet famous among the readers.

There was some poetry as well which were written by Alfred Tennyson, Algernon Charles Swinburne, Lionel Johnson, Thomas Hardy, Gerard Manley Hopkins, A.E. Housman and Robert Browning. All these poetries are really the master piece.

The essays of Thomas Carlyle, John Henry Newman, John Stuart Mill, and Walter Pater too became quiet famous among the people throughout the world.

Hence this period is really among the best periods in the entire history of the England. And the most important achievement still was the beginning of the modern period.

The History of Cane and Wicker Furniture

Today cane and wicker is one of the most popular materials for making outdoor furniture, but it first became popular over 5000 years ago during the Egyptian times. In approximately 3000 BC the Egyptians began harvesting the reeds that grew along the Nile and weaved them into frames to make furniture such as chairs, baskets and tables. Due to the stylishness, simplicity and utilisation of natural materials, cane and wicker has been passed from culture to culture.

In the sixteenth century rattan was discovered in South East Asia by sea traders. This proved to be much more durable than reed for making wicker and increased the popularity of wicker furniture in Europe. Due to the fact wicker is easily maintained and collects much less dust and dirt than upholstered items this popularity continued into the nineteenth century. For the Victorians wicker was an essential element to both outdoor and indoor furniture, providing an elaborate and romantic detail to any room.

America was slower to adopt wicker as a staple furniture material. The potential of rattan was not illuminated until the 1850s when Cyrus Wakefield discovered that it was so strong cargo ships used it to hold items in place. Wicker furniture and baskets made from rattan grew in popularity but the weaving process was too labour intensive and limited overall production and expanse. It was only when a loom was invented to automatically weave and install cane seats that production exploded due to decreased production costs.

In the early 1900s, tastes began to move away from wicker in favour of simple designs without any of the elaborate ‘fuss’ of wicker. In an attempt to reinvent the popularity of wicker some producers turned to synthetic materials and more simplistic designs to reduce the cost of production and appeal to contemporary tastes. This furniture was popular for many years, however when the Great Depression of the 1930s struck wicker again began to lose its appeal.

The 1960s and 1970s saw an increase in the popularity of wicker furniture as consumers desired an outdoor lifestyle and strove ‘to keep up with the Jones’ and this popularity has continued into the twenty-first century. It is still viewed as a clean, lightweight and natural material with a summery feel that signifies outdoor and country living. As its popularity has flourished and dwindled throughout the last 5000 years, a similar pattern can perhaps be expected in the coming centuries. However it is also probable that our global warming age will see all the advantages of cane and wicker. It is a natural, durable, comfortable, unique and weatherproof material that is a practical and sustainable long-term substitute for timber.

HISTORY QUEEN ANNE VICTORIAN HOME

www.tourfactory.com For more information, contact: Greg Crum and Peggy Gachet 904-687-4017 Watson Realty St Augustine Beach Listen to the Carriages roll by from either balcony or the wrap around porch. This STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL Queen Anne Victorian Winter Cottage is situated on a quarter acre lot in the heart of St. Augustine’s historic preservation district. Features include over 5800 sq ft living space, new gourmet kitchen, 7 bedrooms, 5+ baths, countless living, dining and den areas, sunroom, balconies, GORGEOUS GARDEN and patio perfect for entertaining. This one is a MUST SEE for historic home lovers. Marketing: Offering 5800+ sq ft of fine living just two blocks from downtown. This incredible Home, known as the Upham Winter Cottage, was built in 1893 for Col. John J. Upham and his wife. It is one of the tallest residential structures in the City of St. Augustine and was designed with relaxation and socializing in mind. The first floor offers a unique, 3 sided fireplace opening to three rooms and the gourmet kitchen. The second floor features a lovely family room with plenty of natural light and a 2nd floor balcony. Two suites and a sleeping porch are located just to the west of the family room. The garden/patio is HUGE and offers your own private oasis. The north side of the home was originally a drive thru carriage house and a Ballroom. It is now a large, tandem garage and an upstairs guest suite. The house conveys with a deeded easement to the rear of the property …

2010 Investigation Victorian Home History .wmv

In this video you will learn about the history and claims of activity of this 19th Century, Three-Story Victorian Home that Indiana Shadow Chasers will be investigating the first month of 2010

The History Of Patio Furniture

The style of the average home has changed over the years. Large old farmhouses had huge front porches, which were an extension of the family living room. The porches were extremely large. Therefore, a lot of outdoor furniture was required. However, most of the furniture used was merely brought from inside. One piece of furniture was a fixture of most families outdoor furniture, that piece of furniture was a rocking chair. In the 18th century, the rocking chair was known as the American chair. The wooden rocker was also a lot more comfortable than the wrought iron furniture of the day.

You do not see nearly as many rocking chairs now as you did back then.

Another very popular piece of outdoor furniture was the porch swing. The porch swing was a relaxing piece of outdoor furniture on a hot summer evening. Remember, there were no air conditioners back in the 1800′s.

Wicker outdoor furniture was the next style of furniture that became popular in Victorian times. It was popular because it was fancier than the existing outdoor furniture. Plant stands and many different types of tables were added to the porches of American families. The Victorian style was the more the better. Many families had porches full of outdoor furniture.

In the South, many large homes had Verandas. The porch was larger to support the Veranda. These porches had a lot of large over sized furniture such as wicker or cotton upholstered outdoor furniture. Unfortunately, the weather in the South was not indicative to keeping cotton, upholstered furniture outside. Wrought iron furniture was a popular choice in this era as well. To alleviate the uncomfortable iron, cushions were used on chairs.

In the 1930′s, casual outdoor furniture began to appear. Handcrafted wrought iron, cast and tubular aluminum became popular years later. However, comfortable outdoor furniture was desirable to consumers. Lawn chairs became the rage along with straight back chairs as the urban centers became more populated and places to sit outdoors were much smaller in the city.

As the suburbs became a popular place for families, more outdoor furniture was required. This was where the real need for outdoor patio furniture began. People wanted to extend their entertaining outdoors and the need for outdoor furniture grew tremendously. This trend continues to grow today.

More high-tech materials are developed for the construction of outdoor patio furniture, as people want durability, ease of care and strength from their patio furniture. People are spending more and more time outdoors and extending their homes through the concept of outdoor kitchens and rooms. Entertaining at home has made it necessary to have a variety of types of outdoor furniture available. People own hot tubs, swimming pools and many more outdoor toys, which require specific outdoor furniture. As the people demand it, outdoor patio furniture will continue to evolve into stylish pieces they can use everyday.

to find the history of a victorian home were would I look?

I want to know for who it was built