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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Founded in 1981 Milan, Italy by Ettore Sottsass, The Memphis Group integrated designers and artists that produced unique and ground-breaking fabric, furniture and ceramics. A style characterised by bold, brash patterns and clashing colour palettes, Memphis seemingly responded to customary design and trends preferring to generate any type of reaction, good or bad. Pushing boundaries…
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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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Minimalism emerged during the modernist movement, with a reaction against overindulgence and the exclusivity of the art and design world, instead focusing on the notion of ‘less is more’. Architect Miles Van Der Rohe was one of the initial innovators of this design aesthetic with refined skyscrapers, the use of ‘new’ high quality materials (concrete,…
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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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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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After the end of the Industrial Revolution, designers, architects and artists were progressively looking forward into the 20thcentury for ‘something new’. With modern life increasingly more technologically and mechanically focused, the Art Deco movement (also called Style Moderne) launched with the first decorative arts exhibition since WW1: Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes…
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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 conquest to find out what makes your house a happy home can be a tricky one, but luckily for us The Sunday Times recently published a sneak peek into the report ‘The Science of a Happy Home’ with lots of insight and tips into how we can transform our space into a place of…
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Jalan Interior 