Overview

A work of reference for furniture historians and anyone interested in the fine and decorative arts, this volume offers a comprehensive account of historical and modern furniture manufacture. In more than 1700 entries, Clive Edwards brings together information on a huge range of topics, among them, Applied Decoration, Carving, Chair-making, Embroidery, Finishing, Glass, Lacquer, Leather, Paper, Plastics, Timber, Tools, Trades, Stone, Upholstery techniques, Wicker and Zips. In-depth coverage includes developments in Britain and America from the Renaissance to the present day. The increasingly international nature of the furniture industry extends this account to include the origin of materials and processes throughout the world. Contemporary descriptions, accounts and inventories provide context. The readable volume also offers insights into the social status of furniture, the economic history of the industry and the lives of the craftsmen and craftswomen working within it. Each entry is cross-referenced to related topics and includes major bibliographical references. The entries are supported by 150 b&w illustrations and 24 colour plates.

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9781840146394

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Reviews

'There is a need for a volume like this one, and I have no doubt that it will become a standard and popular text very rapidly. Clive Edwards is a perfect person to produce this volume. I know of no one in Britain better suited for this task.' Paul Greenhalgh, Head of Research, Victoria and Albert Museum 'absolutely essential encyclopedia' Artnewsletter 'This wonderful 'must have' book...Clive Edwards loves his subject, exploring it with fine scholarly research and great detail to show how materials and techniques, their use and function, have evolved. ..' Textile History 'This encylcopedia is one of those rare books that, once written, becomes immediately indispensable...It is not another encyclopedia of decorative arts...Rather, it is an ecncyclopedia of knowledge related to furniture manufacture...Any designer with curiosity about how furniture has been made in the past or how it might be made today will have to have a copy of what will surely come to be known simply as 'Edwards'. Interior Design 'An essential work of reference for furniture historians and anyone interested in the fine and decorative arts.' Antique Dealer & Collectors Guide 'This is an essential reference work for everyone interested in antique furniture.' The Magazine Antiques '...a valuable reference' American Craft' '...has succeeded in creating a work of great merit. His Encyclopedia will certainly become a standard reference work for furniture curators, conservators, creators, and collectors.' Art Libraries Journal '...a needed and much overdue encyclopedia that will enhance the decorative arts collection of any art or architecture library. Its quality and comprehensive nature make it a valuable complement to other reference sources supporting the historical study of furniture.' Art Documentation

Author Information

Clive Edwards, Loughborough University, UK

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