| JGW- Published papers | |||||
| Art | Furniture | Art & Antique Market | Law Enforcement | Insuance Industry | Resume |
| IOW Furniture makers 1750 and 1850 |
Regional Furniture
Treasure Island
Illustration from the Vectis Directory 1839
Believed to printed by the advertiser
C Crook of Newport
Published by William Lambert
Regional Furniture
The discussion relates to furniture makers based on the Isle
of Wight focusing on the period between 1750 and 1850. The related research
refers to the build environment influences, the geography, nature resources and
the surroundings[i].
The choice of period was to exclude the huge amount of
material that in the main relates to the Victorian era. The majority of
photographic[1] data focuses
on Queen Victoria as the subject rather than any information concerning her
surroundings. In addition to the area being an Island, often classed as a
backwater, therefore a similar environment to the vernacular furniture research
in remote sections of Wales[2].
This considered and under the assumption of its apparent remoteness the area
would not be subject to aesthetic influences from outside the region.
Publications tend to sweep away the South East[3]
of England for further investigation into vernacular furniture on the theory
that High Wycombe[ii] and other
mass producer’s supplier the area[4].
Investigations into known published works relating to the furnishings of
properties based on the Isle of Wight were not found.[5]
There is a local Historical Society and a well-networked group of genealogy
researchers whom are gathering images in a variety of formats along with
computerising local records. Neither has come across this subject matter
previously their archives do not contain information relating to chairs,
seating, cabinets or furniture pieces of makers. The local council museum
curators and those based at English Heritage sites[6]
verbally stated there was no Island made furniture within their collections.
The geography of the area
contains a number of destroyed Ancient and coppice woods[7]
and Reed beds the mixture of components discussed in regional furniture
publications.[8] The relevant
skills were also available, the main employment and land ownership relating to
agriculture and therefore the skill in the creation of hurdles[9].
A number of the population involved in carpentry though sometimes in basic
terms[10]
and others connected to the production of small wooden craft for fishing. The
closeness to Portsmouth a naval dockyard of some prominence[11]
provided employment there or as a ships carpenter at sea.
The Isle of Wight separated from the mainland appears to have all the components identified in regional furniture books and publications, Cottons Regional Chair and Regional Furniture Society. Prior to the stripping of Oak on the Island and New Forrest, it would be reasonable to assume that the Island could support the construction of what is sometimes termed as medieval furniture. The abundance of reed beds[12] boded well for the 18th century innovation of the woven reed or rush seat[13] offering more comfort to the sitter.
The abundance of materials, skills and remoteness should
provide the historian or furniture researcher with a wide cross selection of
physical pieces to inspect and investigate further. However not one piece of
cased or seating furniture has come to light[iii].
From the lack of a physical piece or pieces there can be a number of
assumptions made. A major catastrophe occurred of which none are recorded with
the exception of the plague in 1584.[14]
That furniture was only imported and perhaps repaired on the Island.
Indications in documents relating to the Oglander family[15]
of Nunwell[16], Little
Appley imply that furniture was brought[17]
in London and transported to the Island. Regular ferry services to and from the
Island from Lymington to Yarmouth[18]
started towards the end of the 1700’s, the Portsmouth to Ryde route was in
service when Victoria resided or visited on the Island[19].
Red Funnel as a company established the Southampton to Cowes route in 1861.[20]
Another assumption could be made that the demand for
furniture could not support any form of activity within furniture manufacture[21].
The poor reforms and previously the Heath tax provides without conformation
that the majority residence were certainly not aspiring and often below a
reasonable standard of living confirmed by the introduction of the Poor law in
the 19th century[22].
However, the County records office microfiche information
for the period 1750 to the early 1800’s showing trade at death. Combined with
Piggott’s directory 1844 (38) and the Vectis trade directory of 1839 (3)[23].
The Apprentices records for Newport borough until 1805 (24 under 19 masters)
all having being cross referred to the Dictionary of English furniture makers
1660-1840 (25, 17 cross refer to another source) provides ninety five records[24]
of activity either as a cabinet maker (33), chair makers (9), turners (6),
clock and watch makers (13) the balance are shown as a mixture of trades.
Including carpenters, wheelwrights, paperhangers, furniture brokers and other
related trades[25].
The inspection of Wills, indentures and other documents at
death produced no list of trading stock, incomplete work, bills of sales or
list of tools or drawings of any form.[26]
Clock makers records were viewed to locate invoices from cabinetmakers or
carpenters, to date none have been found. A variety of responses returned none
of which knew of a physical piece of furniture that had some reference to an
Island maker. Even in 1905 there was difficulty in tracking down I.W furniture.
Image 2[27]
"…..and
so form a back ground for furniture etc. I believe Col. Moreton has a
Cromwelliam table from Yaverland Manor House and if I could get him to lend
that one could put "pottery and pewter exhibit" on it. I hope to be
able to get together some bona fide I.W. furniture. Your assistance would be gratefully
received"[28][iv]
No reply was found or reference to the display of antiques
and art. It does promote the question to if Percy Stone is the designer of the
furniture for Wolverton Manor and installed in 1905.
Investigations into the lack of physical presence could lead
to a number of routes. Thought advertised and listed as some form of furniture
maker the incidental trade of these known makers whom traded in other areas.
Marvin of Cowes advertises as a cabinetmaker, upholsterer, Undertaker,
Appraiser and Auctioneer as well as offering “Yachts fitted in the first-rate
style on the shortest notice.” Implying that there may be a lack of work in his
primary role. Bayley of Shooters Hill, Cowes advertised as Auctioneer,
Appraiser, Upholsterer, cabinetmaker, undertaker and “paper hanger”. Wyatt of Cowes similar to Bayley and even C Crook
of Newport offered undertaking and paper hanging[29].
Without Will’s including values, deeds or other documents available to view no
conclusion can be drawn from this. Except for those listed in the Dictionary of
English makers 1660-1840 and show reference to the insurance value that may
decrease or increase dependant on the volume of trade.
The research found a number of cross references in the
Dictionary of English furniture 1660-1840 that provides brief insurance details
and other financial information. The one listed bill shows details of work by
Joepsh Richards jnr of Cowes confirms the theory of repair work[30].
John Love a cabinetmaker of Newport traded from 1802-1830, insuring a number of
workshops and his dwellings for £1,249 in total. In addition, he purchased a
number of properties showing either a profitable employ or perhaps the benefits
from a Will. William Rayner or Rainer chair maker took insurance in 1777 for
£200 and is shown to be trading in 1839.
Further evidence of some financial gain though not founded
is the take up of apprentices. Often the Borough of Newport would pay the
master for taking on apprentices, the sums vary between £5 and £12 pounds[31]
no conformation of this financial benefit is shown. Twenty-four apprentices
under nineteen masters, Silverlock & Silverlock the younger[32]
(4), Baker (3), Rainer or Rayner (3), Harrison (2), Tayler (2), Unknown master
(2) and the balance only took one apprentice. Below are trade adverts taken
from the Vectis Directory, 1839.
The second theory on the lack of physical evidence was not
found in the County records office but in a number of local publications. A
fair number of the properties run by gentry seemingly of notable wealth[33],
now in complete or part decline were rented to the occupants of long term lets
for a term of one or two years or more[34].
An amount of these properties were furnished or used as a retreat with little
furniture except for a bed and the basics. To this end the tenant would not
furnish due to the cost and the problem of disposal after vacating the property[35].
The owner would have rented it due to lack of use or for additional income
without lowering his return. These rent agreements often appear as letters of
agreement rather than legal documents or a simple gentleman’s agreement on
perhaps a handshake.
The rental assumption could be the reason for the number of appraisers and auctioneers whom have secondary functions such as cabinet making. The Vectis directory of 1839 and Piggott’s of 1844 displays a high number of carriers and movers that promotes this activity further as an option. This area of investigation has not been pursued to provide a calculation of the volume of furniture moved, or transferred from areas outside of the Island. Certainly it would provide an insight into the larger households purchases such as the comments from Oglander of Little Appley, Ryde.
“Nunwell is to have new furniture in the spring from
Tappell and Holland, for the drawing and breakfast room. One of the partners a
young Mr. Holland much admired the old furniture of Nunwell. Long description
of fabrics to be used, i.e. wallpapers and carpets.”[36]
Mr Holland of perhaps Taprell, Stephen & Holland,
William of London cabinetmakers and Upholsterers, chair and sofa manufactures.[39]
Chippendale Thomas snr supplied eight library chairs to Sir Richard Worsely of
Appuldurcombe house, paying £2,638 in 1776-78[40].
Chippendale jnr supplied furniture to Worsely’s town house Stratford place in
1776-78. The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s director has to also take its place
as an influence. Increasing external influences brought to the Island,
previously discussed was the availability of frequent cross Solent travel at
the time. Though not directly linked to furniture, vernacular architecture
plays a prominent part in the asesthic appeal, size and association of
furniture. The assumption that the Island was separate is completely destroyed
by the fact that John Nash and James Wyatt were active of the Island.
Nash not only lived here but also commuted regularly to the
mainland whilst assisting or designing complete structures.[41]
The buildings attributed to him on the Island are numerous and contain a
multitude of styles Gothic, Palladian, Rustic and Norman all of which must have
inspired the locals no matter their trade. These buildings are the subject of
engravings from Brannon, Cooke and Barber in the early part of the 19th
century.
James Wyatt of Salisbury cathedral and Wilton house fame
also overviewed projects on the Island including Norris Castle in 1799.
The Pulpit
in St Thomas’s church was designed and created “by Thomas Caper, reported to
have come from Salisbury”[42]
in 1631 as a gift from the mayor of Newport, Stephen Marsh.
A collection of documents relating to a house know as
Fernhill which is now derelict provides an insight in the style available to
landed gentry at Samuel Shute’s death in 1806. Elegant japanned 4 post state
bedstead with handsome chintz furniture, a number of large (27ft by 19ft the
smallest of three) Persian and Brussels carpets, several four-poster bedsteads.[43]
His coffin £15 10s was made by a James Chiverton whom carried out carpentry
repairs at the house costing over £70.[44]
The research and lack of physical evidence leads the reader
to assume no furniture was actually made on the Isle of Wight. A suggestion
prompted by many of the curators and historians questioned, some adding the
word ‘notable’ as a disclaimer. Rural life was far different from those houses
previously mention as the following extract from a Will of John Rawlings of
Style House who died in 1614.
“The main room, used for living
and eating, was the hall. Here stood a framed ‘Table-bord’, made with legs and
stretchers, which replaced the trestle of earlier times. Beside it was a form,
which with stools, was the usual, eating seating in all the houses. There was
also a side table and two chairs. These were the only chairs in the house and
have been used exclusively by the master and mistress…”[45]
Though the description is limited there is a clear divide
between two types of rural furniture. The associated text implies that the
owner was of reasonable means. The table described legs and stretchers of
framed form replacing the simpler trestle table, or board supported. The
separation of the side table and two chairs adds further detail to this small
dwelling and implies some form of joinery or carpentry was performed as opposed
to the simpler trestle table, forms and stools. These could have been made by
the owner/tenant. The inventory continues with a four-poster bed and truckle
bed and a third bed, three coffers that contained linen and clothing. The
additional notes show the hall floor was formed from wide oak panels, the
structure of four rooms, Hall, Kitchen, Bedroom/chamber and a buttery a design
not dissimilar to other properties found in the project[46].
The book contains other built environment details such as
doors, hinges and locks that a small amount of comparison to other regions has
been done. The same can be said of the fixtures such as staircases and Newel post
designs[47].
No real conclusions can be drawn from these comparisons, as in the main they
are logic solutions to perform either a structural role or an opening device.
The more unusual style of the Cockhead hinge is found on many vernacular
websites relating to the South West and as far north as Lancaster. Other simple
hinges and door openings are as wide spread across all regions in Britain and
as far a field as North America[48].
Modern developments
Some of the investigation involved discussions with ex-workers
and there use of bent woods from factories of the World War II period. Many industrialists use the already formed
manufacturing processes created to produce products for an expanding population
and refurbishment of houses[49].
The quest to see if the Bentwood technology was used to replicate the pieces
that had been developed in Northern Europe by Bidiemer and other manufactures.
The results found that only Saunders Row manufactured a vegetable storage tray[50]
and that furniture had been created but only for internal use, none of which is
available today.
Conclusion
The research provides a
volume of information to the influences from outside of the region and could
indicate that no furniture was physically made within the area. A huge number
of documents and correspondence have been reviewed to locate a reference to
furniture being purchased from a local maker. The known fact that gentry
maintained quality furnishings in the presentation rooms, whilst servants often
had the use of vernacular furniture should raise some form of documentation to
the purchases of servant’s furniture.
The research provided a
reasonable level of the higher quality furnishings made by Chippendale and
other London suppliers. It is therefore clear that the original assumption of the
insular community without influence is completely unfounded. The quest or hunt
for a physical piece of the much-treasured chair, cabinet or cased furniture
made locally has drawn a complete blank.
The awareness of this
local industry was exceedingly low at the start of the research project. The
contact made and the general awareness to the lack of information and physical
presents has gathered memento. A web page providing details of the research and
the genealogical findings was created and will remain available. On the
expectation that in the near future further information will become available
and added.
Bibliography
Basford V. Historic Parks & Gardens of the Isle of
Wight. Freshwater: 1989.
Beard G. Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660-1840.
Leeds: 1986.
Brinton M. Farmhouses & Cottages of the Isle of
Wight. Newport: 1987. First Edition.
Chinnery V. Oak Furniture The British Tradition. Wooodbride:
1979, reprinted 2002.
Cotton B.D. The English Regional Chair. Woodbridge:
1990, reprinted 1997.
Couling D. An Isle of Wight Camera 1856-1914.
Wimborne: 1978, reprinted 1989.
Edwards R. The Dictionary of English Furniture Vol 1-3. New
York: Second revised edition 1954, reprint 1999,2000.
Hamlyn P. World Furniture. London: 1965.
Gosden H. A History of Wootton Bridge – Part Four –
Fernhill. Newport: 2000.
Payne C. Sotheby’s Concise Encyclopedia of Furniture. London:
1989.
Strange T.A. English Furniture, decoration woodwork and
allied arts. London: 1995.
SummersonJ. The Life and Work of JOHN NASH Architect. London:
1980.
Thornton P. Form & Decoration innovation in the
decorative arts 1470-1870. Great Britain: 1998.
Wilk C. Western Furniture 1350 to the present day. London:
1996.
Winter C.W.R. The Manor Houses of the Isle of Wight.
Wimborne: 1984
Journals &
Other printed materials
Crook C. The Vectis Trade Directory. Newport: 1839.
Ednay P. Newport in Times Past. : 1993.
Greening B. An Every Day Story of Country Folk. :Library date 2001.
Leppard M. A History Newport (IW) Parish Church. : 1975.
Pigot And Co.’s National and commercial Directory and topography of 1844 All towns on the Isle of Wight. By on line access. www.historicaldirectories.org run by University of Leicester
Ruffell P.D.D. The Hearth Tax returns of the Isle of Wight 1664 to 1674. Isle of Wight County Records office: 1981.
Tennant C. St. James’s Church – East Cowes. :1988. Second edition.
Wilson D.G. Fernhill – A short History. : 1977.
Not listed but researched.
85 Trade catalogues and guides relating to the Isle of Wight post 1850. Newport reference library closed section.
Numerous Will’s, Deeds and documents available on microfiche. County Records office Newport, Isle of Wight
Websites
www.A2a.org.uk Access to Archives
www.carisbrookecastlemuseum.org.uk/collections.shtml Carisbrooke Castle collections page
www.hmc.gov.uk/nra/searches/ Historical Manuscripts Commission
http://freespace.virgin.net/roger.hewitt/iwias/history.htm Chronological history of the Isle of Wight. Mr Roger Hewitt is a well-reputed Island Historian
Numerous other sites were viewed during the research
