The Age of Mahogany – ‘The Golden Age of English Furniture’

This lecture explains why mahogany became the timber of choice for cabinetmaking in the 18^th century and how  designers and cabinet makers exploited its characteristics in producing furniture which set a new quality standard in terms of both design and craftsmanship.  The Age of Mahogany encompasses the work of great designers and cabinetmakers like Kent, Vile, Cobb, and, of course, Chippendale. Often referred to as “The Golden Age of English Furniture” it is indeed a period in which English furniture developed considerably in terms of design and construction – both of which exploited the qualities and characteristics of mahogany, the king of cabinet-making woods.