Week 12- The English Early & Middle Renaissance

 

What I Learned

This week we learned about how architecture and furniture changed in england durig the renaissance period. England was a lot slower than italy and france to change its style, and many of its buildings still looked gothic at first. However, over time, new ideas began to spread. Early on in the renaissance, England was ruled by leaders like King henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Houses and furniture were primarily made of oak, and most buildings had large fireplaces, tall chimneys, and large wooden beams because the weather was so cold. Throughout the years, people started using more light, symmetry, and decoration. Architects like Inigo Jones brought these italian ideas to england. During the middle renaissance, the great fire of london destroyed much of the city. This led to sir christopher wren to rebuild london in a cleaner, safer, and more organized way. New types of furniture emerged, walnut material became popular, and rooms started using more upholstery and carpet.

Favorite Examples

Hardick Hall uses “more glass than wall” with renaissance influence

The queens house (Inigo Jones) was the first true renaissance building in england. 

Banqueting House in London is a work by Inigo Jones, uses classical clean proportions and grandeur.

St Pauls Cathedral is Sir christopher wrens beautiful baroque church with a large dome and balanced interior.

The Queen Anne chair represents the age of walnut, an elegant S-curved-legged chair with an interesting splat.

Current Applications

Dark wood paneling appears in modern day studies and libraries

Palladian symmetry, columns and proportions are still used in some government buildings and country estates

Queen Anne style chair is still used in traditional interior design with wingbacks

Floral patterns and embroidery reflect early english decorative traditions

One Step Further: Sir Christopher Wren

Sir Christopher Wren was a mathematician, scientist, and architect who became very popular in english architecture after the Great Fire of London. He introduced Baroque-inspired Renaissance design by rebuilding 52 churches, one of those being the famous St Pauls cathedral. He created a new standard of symmetry, geometry, and proportion that still influences design even today.

St. Paul's Cathedral exterior dome

Interior of St Pauls

Wrens Churches of London

Christopher Wren

Model of St Pauls cathedral

Reflection

The english renaissance shows how design evolves uniquely in each environment. England did not copy italy or france, but reinterpreted renaissance ideas throughout their design. I really liked seeing how some ideas progressed from heavy timber frames to elegant queen anne curves. The old and new feel very balanced during this period.