The Age of Oak

This lecture surveys the development of English (oak) furniture in terms of its construction, style and decoration from the medieval period through to the end of the 17th Century, covering the transition from carpentry through joinery to cabinet-making and also explaining the utility not just of the furniture but also of its decoration.

This topic is very suitable for a study day for which participants are encouraged to bring items such as chairs, stools, small cabinets, hanging cupboards, drawers, boxes or whatever else they can manage. 17th C items made from wood other than oak may also be brought as these will provide a useful contrast and comparison.