History of Styles- Early Georgian: English Rococo

SOCIAL HISTORY The Act of Settlement crafted in 1701 meant that after Queen Anne’s reign as monarch, her closest living ‘Protestant’ relative would take her place. At the time of her passing in 1714, George Louis from Hanover, Germany was nominated heir and became King George I. He was the first Hanoverian King of Great…

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History of Styles -Victorian

SOCIAL HISTORY An era marked by the reign of Queen Victoria (1837 – 1901) in which there was inordinate economic and social transformation in Britain. The Industrial Revolution meant rapid change in the infrastructure of the UK, with growth in the railway service, expanding towns and an upsurge in consumerism. The British empire was reputable…

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History of Styles- Louis XVI Neoclassical

SOCIAL HISTORY The last king of France afore the French Revolution, Louis XVI tackled disgruntlement and dissatisfaction as well as a vastly growing resentment towards the monarchy. During his reign, Louis XVI was considered to be ill equipped to deal with political and foreign policies, described as uncommunicative and sombre. As the country’s debt was…

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History of Styles -Regency

SOCIAL HISTORY After his father fell ill Prince George became the country’s acting monarch, distinguished as Prince Regent, and this period of time became known as the Regency era. There were noteworthy changes in society and the economic landscape within Britain as well as a wide divide between the high class and the lower classes…

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Marie Antoinette Style

The impact that the Queen of France had on decorative arts was significant and it ushered in a ‘golden age’ of French art and design during the Neoclassical period. Originally from Austria Marie became Queen at the young age of 19 and was infamous during her time in the monarchy for lavish spending, frivolous extravagance…

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History of Styles- Herculaneum & Pompeii

The excavations of ancient Italian towns, Herculaneum and Pompeii, had a profound effect on architecture, design and the decorative arts around Europe. After the volcanic eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, these towns were covered in ash but miraculously perfectly preserved. Pompeii was officially discovered in 1738, where ancient treasures and artefacts such as furniture,…

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History of Styles- Empire

SOCIAL HISTORY A period of time defined by the declared emperor Napoleon and his regime over France. Following the French Revolution there was political conflict and disorder and after the abolishment of the monarchy there was space for new authority – Napoleon Bonaparte seized this opportunity to rise through the ranks. During what was known…

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History of Styles -Restoration

SOCIAL HISTORY An era (1660 – 1702) characterised by the re-establishment of the monarch and a modern political direction following Cromwell’s commonwealth and the end of the civil wars. Charles II returned to Britain after being exiled to Europe. An altered form of government was established, including the return of bishops, and Charles II laid…

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History of Styles- Neoclassical

SOCIAL HISTORY George III acted as monarch between 1760 – 1820, and was the first Hanoverian king to speak English. During his reign British society and politics underwent vast changes that began to shape a new direction for upcoming years. Crucially, Ireland merged with the rest of Britain after the Act of Union, and we…

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Ultimate Gray & Illuminating – Colour of the Year 2021

For 2021’s highly anticipated colour of the year Pantone have surprised us with not one but two shades, Ultimate Gray and Illuminating. It is only the second time Pantone have selected two colours, the first being in 2016 with Serenity and Rose Quartz (or otherwise known as Millennial Pink) and after a tumultuous 2020, a…

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The Hotel Endsleigh

Tucked away in the Tamar Valley, on the border between Devon and Cornwall is an unlikely Scottish inspired retreat known as The Hotel Endsleigh. A 5* luxury hideaway surrounded by 100 acres of beautifully and intricately landscaped gardens, this place is the epitome of a romantic country style hotel. Currently owned and designed by the…

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History of Styles- Queen Anne

SOCIAL HISTORY Although a short period of time in history, during Queen Anne’s reign two monumental events occurred sealing her significance in history. Firstly there was the ‘Acts of Union of 1707’ in which England and Scotland merged, forming the beginning of the United Kingdom. Secondly, there was the end of the War of Spanish…

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Textiles I

CHENILLE Type of fibre: Can be made with natural cotton (the more eco friendly option) or with synthetic fibres such as polyester or acrylic resulting in an increased amount of durability. Very similar to velvet, is elastic and durable with notable thermal properties. First known to be manufactured in France in the early 1700s. How…

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The Coorie Home

One of my favourite things about moving to the Scottish Highlands over a year ago has been the discovery of all things ‘Coorie’ – a Scottish term that traditional means to be snug or to cuddle but has transformed into a wider notion of highland relaxation and sentimental cosiness. Think of it as our version…

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Focus: The Parasite House

Arguably one of the years most unexpected and thrilling films, Parasite surprised many with it’s hilarious and haunting portrayal of the class divide between two Korean families. But at the heart (and spoiler alert) centre of this story was the unique home in which the majority of the film took place. As Bong himself describes…

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