William IV Furniture
The reign of William IV (1830-1837) was a relatively short one, but from
a furniture history point of view it was important in that it marked the transition
from the classical
Regency Period
to the more rococo
Victorian Era.
A William IV Burr Oak Rectangular Card Table (FS22/1101).
Out would go the sabre and reeded leg on the dining chair and in would gradually
come the cabriole leg.
The designs on furniture became heavier with greater use of carving. Machines were
also introduced. In the 'good old days' when online sales, the Internet and telephone
bidding were not even dreamed of, it used to be said that antiques finished at 1837
and to be a proper antiques dealer you would only consider items prior to this date.
Much has changed.
The principal names in the William IV era were Nicholas Morel and George
Seddon who began a partnership in 1827, although Morels' name disappears
in 1831; the firm becoming G & T Seddon.
Morel and Seddon were awarded the commission of refurnishing the apartments of Windsor
Castle, worth some £200,000, although there appears to be a later dispute over payment
of the account.
The name of T Wilson can often be seen stamped on the tops of drawers in
pieces of furniture.
Thomas Wilson was recorded as being at 68 Great Queen Street, London as a furniture
broker, auctioneer and appraiser from 1799-1854.
A William IV Carved Olivewood Circular Revolving Drum Top Occasional Table (SF19/1254).
The name of Robert Jupe was also prominent in the reign of William IV most
notably because in March 1835 he patented his design for 'an improved expanding
table' – The Jupe patent dining table is one of the most sought after today, combining
the skills of cabinet making and mechanical engineering, in a way heralding the
great Victorian era that was to come.
Amazingly these expanding tables were produced by Johnstone, Jupe & Co
from early 1835-1840.
Elsewhere in Scotland, the name of William Trotter of Edinburgh just makes
the William IV era.
William Trotter was one of the foremost Scottish cabinet makers of the early 19th
Century.
The era of William IV was also important in that more exotic woods such as rosewood
and zebra wood were used.
Specialists
 | Christopher Hampton
Joint Department Head
|  | Cristian Beadman
Joint Department Head
|