Carolean Style

The Carolean style or Restoration Style denotes the English decorative arts style that became popular after Charles II was restored to the English throne in 1660.

The return of the King, after the Puritan severity of the Cromwell period, resulted in an outpouring of enthusiasm for opulence and magnificence and the introduction of French and Dutch artistic styles.

Furniture from this period uses floral marquetry in walnut instead of oak, twisted turned legs and supports, exotic veneers, caned seats and backs on chairs and sumptuous upholstery in tapestry and velvet. Cabinets have ornate carved and gilded scrolling. New types of furniture appeared including chests of drawers, cabinets on stands, wing chairs and day beds.

There was also an explosion of interest in ‘chinoiserie’ reflecting the increased imports of exotic wares from China, Japan and India by the English East India Company. This led to the development of imitation lacquer in the Japanese style, blue and white decoration with Chinese-style figures and landscapes on ceramics imitating the porcelain from China and colourful Indian-style crewelwork curtains and bed hangings.

New forms of silverware such as teapots emerged with embossed motifs such as naturalistic fruit, leaves and tulips being typical of the silverware of the period.

Other developments included the invention of lead glass in 1676 by George Ravenscroft resulting in the emergence of the English glass industry and Thomas Toft’s slipware from the Staffordshire Potteries.

The style was superseded by the William & Mary style after Charles died in 1689.