Regency Style (1811-1830)

Regency style evolved under King George IV of England’s Welsh regency and English Reign, which ended in 1830.

Model of an interior in Regency style with (foreground) a rotunda, presumably based on a design by Sir John Soane, and (background) a library, adapted from designs made in 1767 by Robert Adam for Kenwood House, London.
A rotunda, based on a design by Sir John Soane, and a library, adapted from designs made in 1767 by Robert Adam for Kenwood House, London.

Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/dc96a636-5114-45ec-a300-e247da12d760 by Rictor Norton & David Allen

Photo of the rotunda and library in Kenwood House library. The walls are a pale blue with white and gold accents throughout the room.
Close-up of Kenwood House library, located in Hampstead, England

Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/629370c5-83cc-41bf-91de-62bcc09bf936 by Klovovi

Origin of Regency

The term Regency referrs to several periods, some of which were longer than others. The period from 1795 to 1837 includes the part of the reign of George III along with the reigns of his sons, George IV and William IV. Regency era style was featured with particular tendencies in architecture and culture.

Portrait of Future George IV in red, traditional clothing, adorned with metals and flourishes.
Prince Regent, Future George IV, 1815 by Henry Bone

Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/4adf8eee-6bdc-4e62-9985-5057a95abbd2 by BiblioArchives / LibraryArchives

Influential Regency Style Artists

Among the most relevant Regency architects was John Nash, who served as court architect for Prince Regent and later King George IV. He also designed for Regent’s Park and Regent Street in London.

John Nash at All Souls: A statue of a bald man looking upwards.
John Nash at All Souls

Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/39eb84b4-747b-4acb-9ef9-2c7e17f68a87 by Michael Gwyther-Jones

Another important artist was Thomas Hope, who had an important role in shaping the taste in the Regency time. His book “Household Furniture and Decoration” became the most important source for designers. Plus, it was the first to use the words “interior decoration.” Additionally, other important influences of Regency were Thomas Sheraton and George Smith, who published designs of Regency furniture. Also, Thomas Lawrence lead portraiture, at this time.

Cumberland Terrace: A large, light-colored building with columns holding up the edges of the building.
Cumberland Terrace (1826-7), by John Nash, in Regent’s Park, London

Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/bbad4d89-70bb-43b4-8627-ed4ff82c5f5b by stevecadman

Park Crescent: A large light-colored building with four floors. The first of which has columns holding up a balcony to the second floor.
Park Crescent – designed by John Nash for the processional N-S route in London.

Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/89732f5c-0d08-4929-aa95-061b3f025efa by Colin Smith

John Nash, Architect, designed this terrace and lived here. It was a large white building that stood on the corner of Great Russell Street.
66 Great Russell Street Bloomsbury London WC1B 3BN- John Nash (1752-1835)

Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/fbc7d703-ad33-49cf-9cb9-279714a9c909 by Spudgun67

Regency Style Characteristics

The style was inspired by the neo-classical architecture of the Georgian style, but with more elegance and brightness to the structures. The strongest inspiration for Regency taste came from Greek and Roman antiquity, from which the artists took the most common features of the style:

  • Vertically striped wallpaper
  • Resurgence of the Chinese theme
  • Interest in Egyptian motifs
A French regency style coffee table with dragon-carvings as legs and two toned wood.
French Louis XV Regency Style ormolu griffin coffee table

Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/c60b6b84-83df-4195-8ae9-8177774f7b2d by AntiqueTaste

Regency Architecture

Recalling classical Greek architecture, many regent buildings were symmetrical with bricks, covered in stucco, or painted plaster to create a look similar to marble. The most important elements were:

  • Main Facade – usually black and flanked by two columns that sometimes support a balcony
  • Balconies – often wrought iron.
  • Arched Windows
Little Venice - Regency style houses- These houses were actually built in the Victorian era, but designed to look like Regency. Light-colored house with black iron balconies.
Little Venice – Regency style houses

Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/5e3814b2-3fbb-408d-95ee-17ef611e7b96 by Kathleen Tyler Conklin


Info source: https://www.britannica.com/art/Regency-style

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