Gothic Shelves
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. The style is characterized by such decorative flourishes as pointed arches, floral details, finials, heraldic motifs and linenfold carving. The movement was rooted in religious and social conservatism. Its 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 castle or cathedral that inspired it, a Gothic Revival chair makes 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 might make a statement that your home is indeed your castle.
19th Century English Antique Gothic Shelves
Walnut
19th Century English Antique Gothic Shelves
Mahogany
Early 20th Century English Gothic Shelves
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Gothic Shelves
Wood
Early 20th Century English Gothic Shelves
Wood
1980s American Vintage Gothic Shelves
Metal
19th Century French Antique Gothic Shelves
Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century French Gothic Shelves
Oak
20th Century English Gothic Shelves
Wood, Oak
19th Century Italian Antique Gothic Shelves
Walnut, Wood
19th Century British Antique Gothic Shelves
Walnut
19th Century English Antique Gothic Shelves
Mahogany
Late 19th Century French Antique Gothic Shelves
Walnut
Early 1800s Antique Gothic Shelves
Oak
1950s Italian Vintage Gothic Shelves
Metal
Early 20th Century English Gothic Shelves
Oak
1810s Antique Gothic Shelves
Mahogany
1810s Scottish Antique Gothic Shelves
Oak
Late 19th Century European Antique Gothic Shelves
Oak, Pine
Late 19th Century American Antique Gothic Shelves
Iron
19th Century American Antique Gothic Shelves
1890s English Antique Gothic Shelves
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Gothic Shelves
Pine