Maker vs Monarch

CYNTHIA WIHARDJA Partner, Beau Nash Bath

Ioften think of Mrs Woodard when I work in my furniture shop. She was my high school history teacher, who brought western European history to life with entertaining stories & anecdotes. Because of her, I am fascinated by antiques and how they reflect the life of people in those times.

Many moons ago, on one of my earlier sourcing trips, I noticed pieces that were named after the maker instead of the monarch. Instead of calling them Georgian, for example, I found terms like “Chippendale period… Sheraton style… Hepplewhite chairs.” As an ex-marketing consultant, I was intrigued by this shift in branding. For the first time, the reputation of the maker became more important than that of the monarch. Why and how did this happen? Off I went to find out more.

Apparently, English furniture started being named after the maker instead of the monarch during the 18th century with the rise of the middle classes. As people used furniture to display wealth and status, they started acquiring pieces from famous craftsmen. Names such as Chippendale, Sheraton, Hepplewhite, Adam, and Gillows became more important than the reigning monarch. This practice continued into the 19th century, with many furniture makers becoming famous for their distinctive designs and high-quality craftsmanship.

Here are the “Big Three” of the 18th century: Thomas Chippendale, the most famous of them all, designed in rococo and neoclassical styles. His book of furniture designs titled The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker’s Director created a mass market for furniture. Interestingly he died in poverty due to his lack of business knowledge. I’ll save that story for another day.

Thomas Sheraton was known for a feminine refinement of late Georgian styles and became the most powerful source of inspiration behind the furniture of the late 18th century. George Hepplewhite created distinctive light and elegant furniture that was fashionable between about 1775 and 1800.

These are just a few of the many talented furniture makers who made their mark in Georgian times. Their work continues to be highly prized and enjoyed by home owners and enthusiasts today. n beaunashbath.com; info@beaunashbath.com; 01225 334234 @beaunashbath

Spring Exhibition

Gallery Nine, 9B Margaret's Buildings, Bath, 10 April –31 June

The exhibition features Jewellery by Susie Hines and Zsuzsi Morrison, and a mixed print show including works by Phil Greenwood, Paul Cleden and Merlyn Chesterman.

Zsuzsi marks fine silver, 22ct gold and glass, through fire, to create modern relics. She uses traditional techniques of enamelling and is fascinated by blurring the boundaries between materials, styles, times and thinking, values and perceptions. Working with diamonds, gemstones, gold and silver, Susie Hines’ work explores the surface through a range of experimental etching and other surface techniques using contrasting patination. galleryninebath.com

Coronation Exhibition, Grey-Harris & Co, 12 Princess Victoria Street, Clifton, Bristol 26 April –6 May, 10am–4pm grey-harris.co.uk

Silversmiths and jewellers Grey-Harris & Co. are celebrating the coronation of King Charles III. The works in the exhibition are all linked to English coronations, including a lifetime collection of royal souvenirs and artworks spanning 400 years. One item is the 30ft hand panorama that depicts the coronation procession of King George IV (r.1820–1830). The procession is presented in 133 numbered scenes in etching and aquatint with handcolouring and dates to 1821. Another item is the remarkable William IV cut-glass sceptre surmounted by a cross pattée, hallmarked William Neal, London 1833.

There will also be displays of heraldry in silverware and jewellery along with a collection of portrait miniatures.

North Somerset Arts Week, 28 April –8 May, various venues

North Somerset Arts Week is celebrating its 21st anniversary. Over 200 local artists will be opening up their homes and studios or gathering in shared venues to show you their latest work. Come and experience a huge variety of contemporary and traditional art, from ceramics and textiles to painting to sculpture. You will also find talks, workshops and cakes.

Watch out for the distinctive pink flags leading you to over 38 locations across the county. Pick up a copy of the Arts Week brochure from local shops and libraries to find out which artists are taking part and to find maps of the venues. Opening times vary for each venue, so check the website. Explore North Somerset, meet new artists, connect and have conversations –and most of all be inspired! northsomersetarts.org/nsaw23

Bathampton Art Group Spring Exhibition

Bathampton Village Hall, Holcombe Lane, Bathampton, BA2 6UL Saturday 15 April, 10am-4pm

This famous local art exhibition takes place again this year where you’ll find many artists displaying a wide range of work. Subjects range from still life to landscapes and seascapes to portraits… including pets.

Well-known Bradford-based artist Steve Hall will be on hand to judge the winners in each category. Refreshments are available all day. bathamptonart.com

Arts

25–30 April, 44AD Artspace, 4 Abbey Street, Bath BA1 1NN

14 Wesca (Wessex Contemporary Arts) artists are exhibiting a wide range of responses to this title at 44AD artspace. Some pieces are political, some are about the Earth or planet and some are just very surprising... Wesca artists are well known for the rich variety of their work, and this show is well worth a visit.

Open from 1–6pm. Artists’ talk at 3pm on Sunday 30 April –all welcome. wesca.co.uk