Gothic Furniture
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 Italian Antique Gothic Furniture
Leather, Walnut
Late 20th Century Italian Gothic Furniture
Brass, Nickel, Pewter
20th Century French Gothic Furniture
Bronze
1940s American Vintage Gothic Furniture
Steel
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Furniture
Stone, Limestone
1990s American Gothic Furniture
Giltwood
Mid-20th Century Italian Gothic Furniture
Brass
Early 20th Century Gothic Furniture
Bronze
1950s French Vintage Gothic Furniture
Metal
1920s American Vintage Gothic Furniture
Metal
19th Century British Antique Gothic Furniture
Walnut
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Furniture
Stone, Limestone
1940s American Vintage Gothic Furniture
Metal
20th Century English Gothic Furniture
Silver Plate
Late 20th Century Italian Gothic Furniture
Paper
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Furniture
Stone
1970s American Vintage Gothic Furniture
Ceramic
19th Century English Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
20th Century French Gothic Furniture
Brass
19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Bronze
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Gothic Furniture
Granite
17th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Stone, Limestone
Early 20th Century Spanish Gothic Furniture
Walnut
19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
Late 19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century American Gothic Furniture
Brass
Early 19th Century European Antique Gothic Furniture
Brass, Iron
Early 1900s Italian Antique Gothic Furniture
Brass, Bronze
Mid-20th Century French Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
Early 18th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
1920s American Vintage Gothic Furniture
Bronze
1950s French Vintage Gothic Furniture
Brass
Late 20th Century American Gothic Furniture
Iron
Mid-19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
Late 20th Century American Gothic Furniture
Marble, Iron