Mirrors

In the early Jacobean days, though men and women were not a whit less vain of their personal appearance than are their descendants, mirrors were not common.

They were small, for large pieces of glass were not made, and were set in heavy frames. It was not till towards the latter part of the seventeenth century, when English-made glass was obtainable, that mirrors increased much in number or attained any considerable size.

Fig. 9. Jacobean Oak Dresser of Yorkshire Pattern, c. 1660, Containing Many Characteristic Details of Ornamentation q. v. in Text. Length, 5 feet; height, 6 feet 8 inches.

By Courtesy of Mr. R. W. Lehne, Philadelphia.

In the Carolean period intricate pieces of bevelling were executed and also extremely elaborate frames were carved in pear, lime or pine (Plate II, p. 50) by Grinling Gibbon or men of his school.

Clocks

About the middle of the seventeenth century the tall clock case made its appearance and later became a subject for elaborate ornamentation. The tall case was first made for the purpose of concealing the weights and pendulum which had formerly hung in full view from a mechanism and dial supported by a bracket.

Materials

There was the greatest diversity of materials used in the manufacture of furniture throughout the entire Stuart or Jacobean period.

Oak, the national wood of England, was of course the favourite and staple material from which Jacobean . and Cromwellian furniture was chiefly made and continued popular in Carolean times when powerful agencies were at work to supplant it. It has indeed retained a more or less constant measure of favour down to the present day when its vogue is again in the ascendant. In the later part of the Stuart period it was often used as a groundwork in combination with other woods. It was plentiful and strong and satisfied the proverbial British desire for weight, staunchness and durability.

Walnut, used only sparingly as a precious wood in Elizabethan and early Jacobean times, came into common use for furniture about 1650 and from thence onward was increasingly popular. Great numbers of walnut trees had been planted about 1560 and by the middle of the seventeenth century the timber had reached maturity. It was a more suitable medium for the scrolls, twists and curves then coming into fashion and less likely to chip than oak.

PLATE II. GRINLING GIBBON MIRROR FRAME.

By Courtesy of Richard A. Canfield, Esq., New York City.

Cedar came into use about 1660. The most beautiful cedar furniture and the most frequently met with is of Bermudian origin. The Bermuda cedar is of peculiarly rich and dark colour.

Cherry was used though not to any considerable extent till late Carolean times.

Elm and Beech were used for much of the simpler furniture, but the wood not being of particularly durable quality little of either has survived.

Chestnut was occasionally employed and was considered valuable.

Deal. The term "deal" properly belongs to the wood of the fir or pine, but is often used to designate the form in which lumber is cut. Red deal is the wood of the Scotch pine and is highly esteemed and durable.

Pine, Pear and Lime were used for carving where gilding or paint were to be applied.

Mahogany was used for inlay, in one instance before the Bestoration, but only sparingly until late in the century. This of course applies to England. In Holland and Spain it came into use much earlier and some of the early Dutch mahogany furniture found its way to America. One well authenticated piece arrived in New York considerably before 1640.

Holly and Bog Oak were extensively used for inlaying.

Precious Woods from the Indies and America, which, with the expansion of foreign trade from the time of the Commonwealth, were imported more and more constantly, were also used for inlaying.

Silver and Ebony, though rarely employed, were used sometimes for furniture among the very wealthy. They are included in the list only for the sake of completeness.

Upholstery for the seats and backs of chairs, settees and day-beds was either permanently attached or in the form of movable cushions.

Leather and Woven Goods were both used.

With respect to the American Colonies it should be added that the abundance of ash, elm, maple, cedar and pine as well as oak and walnut supplied plentiful furniture materials.