The Colonial Period of American Furniture, 1720 to 1783
Technically, when we discuss American Furniture periods, we could begin the Colonial period all the way back to 1610 as the first settlements were indeed colonies of England and Holland. However, the term Colonial Period did not come into use until the 1920′s and by then the colonial 17th century had been designated the Pilgrim Period. To further confuse the novice, you will find many dealers who offer early American furniture referring to all of their goods as Colonial even though they include Sheraton and Hepplewhite styles that arrived after the colonies won independence.
As with the Pilgrim Period, the Colonial Period covers two styles of furniture, Queen Anne (see under Queen Anne style for details) and Chippendale (see under Chippendale style). Originating in England they were brought to the colonies by new settlers and those who were regularly traveling between the old and the new world. With the Colonial period, we begin to see considerable American refinements in the styles when compared with their English counterparts that are not as easily discernable with Pilgrim Period furniture.
With Queen Anne furniture debuting in England around 1704 and in the colonies circa 1720, we have simplicity and feminine grace of design versus the heavy designs found in Jacobean and William and Mary. The cabriole (“s” curved) leg, the curved versus straight back of chairs and the carved shell design on the knees and center sections of both chairs and chests all differentiate Queen Anne from preceding styles. In England, walnut was the wood of choice and in America both walnut and cherry were used.
Mankind has never been one to tarry, as is evidenced by furniture styles in the 18th century. Queen Anne had only been in vogue for 40 years when, in 1749, Thomas Chippendale introduced his cabinetmaker’s style books filled with designs that intrigued all of England and the colonies. Early Chippendale pieces looked like Queen Anne on steroids. Cabriole legs with fancy ball and claw feet, elaborate carvings and filigree detail were all the fashion. Mahogany was the wood of choice for much Chippendale furniture, although here in the colonies, individual craftsman had no problem using the best of local hardwoods, so Chippendale furniture can be found made of walnut, cherry and birch in addition to the imported mahogany. From the Queen Anne look alike, Chippendale rapidly morphed into a variety of designs within the basic style showing Oriental influences brought back from the trading expeditions to China and a more severe straight leg that worked better with the more elaborate filigree and carved pieces.
By the beginning of the 18th century, the colonies were firmly established and prospering with both agricultural and foreign trade pursuits. Lumber was a solid source of capital and American wood found its way around the world. Combined with the whaling industry that was growing year by year, the colonies traded for all manner of goods in England, on the Continent and in the Caribbean and China. Craftsmen in the colonies now had the tools, the skills and the wherewithal to turn their attention to refining old world designs to fit the free spirit of the local residents. Thus we see simpler versions of both Queen Anne and Chippendale styles emerging.
We also see the appearance of two distinct looks within both styles: the formal city interpretations and those of the country and farm. Formal Colonial furniture is “high” style with fine finishes and total attention to detail in all aspects of construction. Still carrying the American look, they tend to be closer in appearance to their English counterparts. Country-made furniture is slightly coarser in production, simpler in finish and more individualistic in design. Most country furniture was made by local farmers for their own use at home, and while they may have seen either examples of Queen Anne or Chippendale furniture or designs for the same, they generally did not have that material in front of them when they were crafting the furniture nor did they have the training of the city craftsmen. While Queen Anne was popular with the country craftsman, Chippendale posed a bit of a problem with its elaborate designs. Therefore one does not find as much country Chippendale as Queen Anne. When one does find a country Chippendale chest or chair it will be mostly devoid of ornamentation, leaving just the underlying style.
Originally, this country colonial furniture was used as a necessity and not “favored” by those that could afford better. Today, in the 21st century, thanks to the efforts of Messrs. Rockefeller (Williamsburg, Virginia); Dupont (Winterthur, Delaware); Ford (Dearborn, Michigan); and Wallace Nutting in the 1920′s, all Colonial Period furniture, and particularly the country colonial style, is sought after by all levels of collectors. Often we see that the more primitive the piece, the more it is coveted.
Before we leave the Colonial Period, we should note just how tenuous our connection with England was. With apologies to the Dutch who settled the Mid-Atlantic region, England controlled the original colonies, but at the fringes Spain and France were exploring and founding their own settlements. At the same time England was engaged in almost constant warfare with both France and Spain. It was only English military skill that kept the colonies from becoming French and/or Spanish. Had any of the numerous wars during the 18th century gone in a different direction, we would be discussing French and Spanish furniture styles instead of Queen Anne and Chippendale.
reference note by p4A Contributing Editor Charles Wibel.