Regency Furniture
The Regency era ran from 1812 to 1820, when George IV was Prince Regent,
although the term often refers to a more extended time frame from 1795 to the end
of William IV's reign.
A Regency mahogany, rosewood and simulated inlaid writing table (FS18/826) sold
in our April 2013 Fine Art Sale for £1,850.
It was a flamboyant time of excesses by some and architecturally was epitomised
by the Brighton Pavillion, designed by John Nash and Henry Holland
in Indo Saracenic style, with elaborate chinoiserie interiors. Other influences
on Regency furniture came from Egypt and the Classical style.
Amongst many of the furniture designers of the Regency period are the names Thomas
Hope, George Bullock, George Smith, John McLean,
Morel and Seddon; and Marsh and Tatham. Thomas Hope was probably
one of the most influential of the Regency era furniture designers. Enthused by
his travels in Europe, Hope's furniture designs reflect the Classical inspiration.
George Bullock was another leading light in Regency furniture design, moving
first to London in 1813 from his origins in Liverpool and then to Anglesey. Bullock
provided furnishings for Sir Walter Scott and also to the government for
Napoleon's exile on St Helena.
A pair of Regency mahogany and ebony strung 'waterfall' four tier open bookcases
(FS18/825) fetched £7,300 in the fine furniture auction within our April 2013 Fine
Sale.
John McLean (1770–1825) was recognised as one of the best furniture designers
of the Regency period, with examples in the Victoria and Albert Museum
and in the Library at Saltram House, Plympton, Devon.
The partnership of Morel and Seddon was created by George Seddon and Nicholas
Morel. One of their contracts was to make furniture for Windsor Castle for George
IV and they worked almost exclusively for the Crown. The company employed designers,
which included the young AWN Pugin.
A Regency satinwood and rosewood crossbanded and inlaid sofa table (FS17/835) succombed
to a bid of £2,500 in April 2013.
Regency furniture is often included in Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood's quarterly
auctions and examples of high quality include a Regency rosewood and brass inlaid
breakfast table in our January 2013 fine sale and a Regency mahogany and ebony inlaid
library table in our April 2012 auction.
Specialists
 | Christopher Hampton
Joint Department Head
|  | Cristian Beadman
Joint Department Head
|