The Newel Gallery & Warehouse are full of exciting new acquisitions from the masters of 20th century design. While our inventory spans thousands of pieces of all periods and styles, we couldn’t be more excited than to welcome the likes of Maison Ramsay, Jean Royere, Rene Drouet, Andre Arbus, Milo Baughman and Maison Bagues into our home. We have always been passionate purveyors of French / American Art Deco & Mid-Century, and these fresh new offerings represent some serious standouts to our ever-expanding collection.
Deconstructed Vignette: Renaissance + Gothic Revival
Our love for Renaissance and Gothic styles is no secret, and as relentless enthusiasts of authentic and revival antique pieces, nothing gets us more excited than experimenting with our own inventory. These opportunities allow us to take creative license with history, and in a way, rewrite it creatively through one of our true passions here at Newel – construction + deconstruction of vignettes! Renaissance & Gothic design have always inspired us, and we’re proud to call Newel a home to so many revival pieces of both eras.
Origins, Evolution + Revival of Renaissance & Gothic Styles
12th Century
Evolving from earlier Romanesque architecture, Opus Francigenum (later known as “Gothic”) is a style that originated in France and spread throughout Europe, and ultimately inspired centuries of art and design.
13th Century
Gothic architecture spreads through France, primarily in the construction of cathedrals, and features such as rib vaults and the flying buttress become characteristic of the period.
14th Century
The Renaissance style is born in Italy, inspired by the art & architecture of ancient Rome. Stained glass windows become a staple of gothic cathedral architecture, and the Notre Dame Cathedral becomes a staple of this period known as “Rayonnant” (Radiant).
15th Century
Discovery of ancient Roman wall paintings, known as “Grotesques”. Grotesques became a characteristic of art during the Renaissance period.
16th & 17th Century
The Renaissance style arrives in England, in large by foreign European artisans working in London. English designers became heavily inspired by the engraved Strapwork motifs often found in books.
18th Century
Neo-Classicism is born in England and France during the mid 1700’s, as a result of exposure abroad of young Europeans of these regions to Renaissance art in Italy.
19th Century
Architectural discoveries in Italy inspired the minds of some of the greatest designers of this time, and technological advancement in manufacturing led the way for a revival of the Renaissance style.
English artist / architect Augustus Pugin plays a key role in pioneering the Gothic Revival and inspires peers to incorporate fundamental principles of Medieval Art into their work.
20th & 21st Century
The similarities in inspiration from which both periods draw creates a parallel appeal among art & antiques collectors and help define the foundation of Newel’s pre-Victorian collection of decorative arts.
Renaissance Style Features
Grotesques
Fantasy-inspired creatures, masks, scrolling plants, figures and vases were common themes throughout Renaissance art, design & architecture
Strapwork
Ornamental ribbon-like forms used throughout history in art and design and a prominent technique used during the Renaissance, to give the look of woven pieces of leather, metal or parchment
Roundels
A common theme found in ancient Roman coins, and eventually Renaissance art, roundels portray groups of women and men gathered in circles
Architectural Elements
Pointed arches and steep roofs, as well as motifs and decorative patterns rooted in Medieval design are prominent themes
Painted Furniture
Furniture imitates art…elaborately painted scenes that emulate the painting styles of the day are characteristic of Gothic Revival furniture pieces
Blackletter
Furniture & ornamental décor incorporates heavy, intricate carvings of Gothic Script / lettering paying homage to the Gothic era
Kati Curtis Design’s Kips Bay Showhouse “Path to Enlightenment” themed room featured
a pair of English Gothic Revival chairs (since sold) and an English Gothic Revival Bench (still available #037660) from Newel.
Wonderful Wicker
Stroll through big box retail outlets this time of year and you will likely stumble over a staggering range of commodity outdoor seating and tables constructed of wicker. Wicker has become synonymous with lightweight, mass-market outdoor seating and tables and it’s more popular than ever. But did you know that the use of wicker in furniture construction dates back to 3,000 BC and has been used in virtually every style and genre since?
Despite this, there are commonly held misconceptions about wicker and we’re here to clear it up with our list of 5 Things You Didn’t Know about Wicker!
1
Wicker is a technique, not a material
The term ‘Wicker’ refers to the weaving technique that has become characteristic of wicker furniture, which is typically constructed from the wood species rattan, but can also be made of bamboo, straw and even synthetic materials.
2
Wicker Furniture has a father, and his name is Cyrus Wakefield
While the origins of wicker are around 5,000 years old, Mr. Wakefield and his company Wakefield Ratttan Company (Est 1851) are credited as being the father of wicker as an industry
3
Wicker’s Origins
The term wicker derives from the word wika, a Scandinavian word whose translation is “to bend”. The earliest traces of wicker use as a furniture construction technique can be traced to ancient Egypt. Some of these early pieces still remain intact today
4
Wicker’s Rise in Popularity
Due to it’s durability, versatility and value, rattan became highly sought after, and the rise of trade between the east and west brought wicker to Europe by the 17th century. Wicker became a mainstay of Victorian furniture during its’ golden era (1860-1880)
5
Wicker Can Be Eco-Friendly
Because wicker is often constructed from rattan and bamboo, it is often used in eco-friendly furniture. Both species are native to tropical regions of Asia, Africa and Australia and come from naturally renewable / sustainable forests.
Newel has been known for decades for its expansive wicker collection that crosses many genres, including English, French and American Victorian, Mission, Art Deco and Anglo Indian).
Here are some of our favorite & latest Wonderful Wicker additions:
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American Mission Style Green Painted Settee
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English (Anglo Indian Style) Natural Wicker Settee
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French Victorian Natural Wicker Loveseat
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American Art Deco Salon Set (Consists of a three-seater sofa and two matching chairs)
