Restoration Style was named Carolean style: during the restoration of Charles II monarchy it was used in England.
Image source: https://www.biography.com/royalty/charles-ii-of-england
History of Carolean Style
The Carolean style or Restoration Style is about English decorative arts, became popular after Charles II came back to the throne in 1660. The return from exile on the Continent led brought to the elimination of the the Puritan severity in the country. A completely new taste for magnificence and opulence and the introduction of Dutch and French artistic influences created a whole new sensibility.
Image source: https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O8859/charles-ii-portrait-bust-pelle-honore/
Restoration period Masterpieces
Squerryes Court in Westerham was a beautiful estate of red bricks. This mansion was built for Sir Nicholas Crisp, who purchased Squerryes in A.D. 1680. It is a manor house which was conceived in the Restoration period.
Image source: https://mapio.net/pic/p-84113417/
Ham House in Richmond was restored in the 1670s by the Duke of Lauderdale. The architect was William Samwell. The interiors are richly adorned with baroque muralson the ceilings by Antonio Verrio.
Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ham_House,_Richmond.jpg
Charles II wanted the architect Hugh May to supervise the modernisation of the Royal Apartments in Windsor Castle, the largest baroque State Apartments in England. The extravagant appearance of his new interiors was heightened by very expensive textiles and wonderful tapestries, which, to be preserved, were exposed when the King and Queen lived in residence.
Characteristics of Restoration Style
These are the main features of this style:
- CURVING FORMS
Flowing forms were a feature of Restoration style. Particular carvings and high-relief decorations created a sense of dynamism that was gracefully contained by the symmetry of the overall design;
- RICH FINISHES
Ornate, rich finishes were very popular. Gold and silver were used to embellish wood and leather;
- SPIRAL COLUMNS
Spirally twisted forms were used to create supports;
- NATURAL MOTIFS
Fruit, flowers and acanthus leaves had long been used to decorate furnitures;
Image source: http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/s/style-guide-restoration/
Info source: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Charles-II-king-of-Great-Britain-and-Ireland
