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William IV Urns

WILLIAM IV STYLE

It was unexpected that, at the age of 64, William IV was crowned king of England. He had two older brothers, yet the death of Prince Frederick put him in line for the British throne when George IV died in 1830. His reign was brief, as he died on June 20, 1837, but it was a pivotal time of change, with parliamentary reform leading to the present-day constitutional monarchy. Antique William IV–style furniture reflects this period of transition, with forms that bridged the neoclassicism of the preceding Regency style and the more extravagant Victorian style that would follow.

Inspired by ancient Greece and Rome, William IV designs were often more imposing than Regency furniture and featured decorative attributes. There were sofas balanced on lion’s feet and tables with brass fittings. But furnishings of this period were largely marked by straight lines and subdued ornamentation compared to those of the George IV era. William IV had an unassuming way about him and was much more formal, whereas the ruler who preceded him was a king of extravagance. George IV had an affinity for French decor and was heavily invested in overhauling the private residences at Windsor Castle.

Carvings on William IV four-poster beds and cabinets included scrolling shapes, lotus leaves and acanthus, while popular pieces like tilt-top tables and upholstered seating on caster legs provided flexible interiors. Richly toned woods like mahogany and rosewood were used for sideboards, bedposts boasting reeded details and dining chairs with intricate chair backs and turned front legs.

William IV left no legitimate heirs, so his young niece, Victoria, became queen. She would lead an era of taste in which the innovations of the Industrial Revolution allowed for manufacturing showier furniture to fill elaborate interiors. With its comparatively refined forms and restrained designs, William IV style was a pause before a time of radical aesthetic change.

Find a collection of authentic William IV tables, armchairs, decorative objects and other 19th-century furniture and antiques on 1stDibs.

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Style: William IV
Pair of Bloor Derby Urns, Painted with Flowers on a Pale Blue Ground
By Bloor Derby
Located in Montreal, QC
This sumptuous pair of campana form are highly decorative. The pale blue ground and heavy gilt fruiting vine handles set off the reserves of fruit and flowers to great advantage. The...
Category

1830s English Antique William IV Urns

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Bloor Derby Urns, Painted with Flowers on a Pale Blue Ground
Pair of Bloor Derby Urns, Painted with Flowers on a Pale Blue Ground

Pair of Bloor Derby Urns, Painted with Flowers on a Pale Blue Ground

Large Pair of Early 19th Century Bronze and Ormolu Tazzas
Located in London, GB
A large pair of early 19th century bronze and ormolu tazzas having acanthus leaf stems with double serpent handles raised on sienna marble plinth bases with ormolu borders.
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique William IV Urns

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Large Pair of Early 19th Century Bronze and Ormolu Tazzas

Large Pair of Early 19th Century Bronze and Ormolu Tazzas

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Bloor Derby Pair of Porcelain Figures, Stag and Doe, circa 1765-1820
Bloor Derby Pair of Porcelain Figures, Stag and Doe, circa 1765-1820

Bloor Derby Pair of Porcelain Figures, Stag and Doe, circa 1765-1820

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Royal Crown Derby Hand-Painted Porcelain Vase with Roses
Royal Crown Derby Hand-Painted Porcelain Vase with Roses

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Large Pair of Early 19th Century French Grand Tour Bronze and Siena Marble Tazza

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Pair of 19th Century Paris Porcelain Cachepots with Yellow Ground & Floral Decor
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Pair of 19th Century Paris Porcelain Cachepots with Yellow Ground & Floral Decor
Pair of 19th Century Paris Porcelain Cachepots with Yellow Ground & Floral Decor

Pair of 19th Century Paris Porcelain Cachepots with Yellow Ground & Floral Decor

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Pair Pink Floral and Gilt Porcelain Painted Urns
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A Fine Pair of Early 19th Century French Grand Tour Bronze & Siena Marble Tazzas

A Fine Pair of Early 19th Century French Grand Tour Bronze & Siena Marble Tazzas

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A Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze and Verde Marble Tazzas, 19th Century

A Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze and Verde Marble Tazzas, 19th Century

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Pair of 19th Century English Derby Fruit Coolers with Lids & Liners, ca. 1815
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Pair of 19th Century English Derby Fruit Coolers with Lids & Liners, ca. 1815
Pair of 19th Century English Derby Fruit Coolers with Lids & Liners, ca. 1815

Pair of 19th Century English Derby Fruit Coolers with Lids & Liners, ca. 1815

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Pair of 19th Century French Paris Porcelain Urns with Painted Scenes & Handles
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Pair of 19th Century French Paris Porcelain Urns with Painted Scenes & Handles

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Previously Available Items
Pair of English Brass Hand Chased Campaign Mantel Urns, Circa 1840
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of English brass Campaign mantel urns with a gadrooned molded edge, Laurel wreath motif, lambs tongue, and terminating on a squared plinths, Mid-19th Century. Urns are 4.75" ...
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1840s English Antique William IV Urns

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Pair of English Brass Hand Chased Campaign Mantel Urns, Circa 1840
Pair of English Brass Hand Chased Campaign Mantel Urns, Circa 1840

Pair of English Brass Hand Chased Campaign Mantel Urns, Circa 1840

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William Iv urns for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique William IV urns for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage urns created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with bronze, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used William IV urns made in a specific country, there are England, Europe, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original urns, popular names associated with this style include and Bloor Derby. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for urns differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,700 and tops out at $4,336 while the average work can sell for $3,518.

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