Gothic Revival Secretaires
The Gothic Revival movement (also called Victorian Gothic or Neo-Gothic) emerged in Britain in the 1740s, and reached its height in the late-19th century. Gothic Revival furniture's characteristics include such decorative flourishes as pointed arches, floral details, finials, heraldic motifs and linenfold carving.
The movement was rooted in religious and social conservatism. Gothic Revival's proponents, who included Charles Barry and A.W.N. Pugin, the architects of London’s Houses of Parliament (designed in 1840), believed that the art and architecture of the Middle Ages were authentically spiritual and inherently moral.
In the United States, the Gothic Revival movement shaped both public buildings and private houses. Numerous American schools were built in the early-19th century in a style now called Collegiate Gothic. Many builders and craftsmen were inspired by Andrew Jackson Downing’s widely read 1850 book Architecture for Country Houses, which posited that a family’s home should exemplify their values — and that the Gothic Revival style was particularly well-suited to scholars and clergymen. Furniture with detailing that mirrored that of Gothic Revival buildings appeared in the same period. Such pieces typically feature dark, intricately carved wood, and upholstery in velvet or leather.
Much like the castles or cathedrals that inspired them, Gothic Revival chairs, bookcases and beds make a bold design statement. And while you probably don’t have to cross a moat or raise a portcullis to get through your front door, a Gothic Revival piece will declare that your home is indeed your castle.
1880s French Antique Gothic Revival Secretaires
Velvet, Oak
1860s English Antique Gothic Revival Secretaires
Oak
1870s French Antique Gothic Revival Secretaires
Walnut
Late 19th Century English Antique Gothic Revival Secretaires
Oak
Early 1800s Belgian Antique Gothic Revival Secretaires
Brass
Early 20th Century Dutch Gothic Revival Secretaires
Brass
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gothic Revival Secretaires
Paint, Wood
1920s Swedish Vintage Gothic Revival Secretaires
Oak
1940s Vintage Gothic Revival Secretaires
Metal
Mid-19th Century European Antique Gothic Revival Secretaires
Mahogany, Baize
Late 19th Century French Antique Gothic Revival Secretaires
Mahogany
19th Century American Antique Gothic Revival Secretaires
Pine
19th Century French Antique Gothic Revival Secretaires
Bronze
Mid-20th Century French Gothic Revival Secretaires
Bronze
Mid-19th Century English Antique Gothic Revival Secretaires
Mahogany, Rosewood
Late 19th Century French Antique Gothic Revival Secretaires
Bronze
Late 19th Century Antique Gothic Revival Secretaires
Oak
19th Century French Antique Gothic Revival Secretaires
Walnut