The Story of Western Furniture

by Phyllis Bennett Oates

Overview

As well as fulfilling a functional need, furniture has always been an index of status. From the throne of Tutankhamen or the bed of State of Louis XIV to the austere Shaker chest or the Charles Eames chair and later modern pieces from Europe, the Far East and the United States, the style of each piece tells much about the outlook of the makers and the needs and skills of the time.
This absorbing history traces the development of furniture design and production, from the days of ancient Egypt to the present, describing what articles were made in each period, how they were made, and what were the social and economic conditions that affected style and finish. The author discusses techniques such as joinery, turning, veneering, marquetry, polishing, upholstery, bentwood work and lamination. Many examples are shown in the illustrations, which are invaluable recognition sources and a lively visual accompaniment to the text.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781561310678
Publisher:	Dee, Ivan R. Publisher
Publication date:	05/01/1998
Edition description:	Reissue
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Phyllis Bennett Oates was formerly Senior Lecturer in Furniture and Architectural Design at Kingston Polytechnic.

What People are Saying About This

Sir James Richards

I find it very well done: admirably designed.... A surprising quantity of information, visual as well as verbal, has been packed into a relatively small space.

Editorial Reviews

A well-organized survey of a fascinating subject.

Riba Journal - David Pearce

I find it very well done: admirably designed.... A surprising quantity of information, visual as well as verbal, has been packed into a relatively small space.

James Richards

I find it very well done: admirably designed.... A surprising quantity of information, visual as well as verbal, has been packed into a relatively small space.

Sir James Richards

A well-organized survey of a fascinating subject.
— David Pearce

Riba Journal