Gothic is both a theme and attitude that pervades society to this day. Gothic theme furniture is an example of this as is its continued popularity.
This is a theme that all of us have seen at the movie theaters. In those really scary movies where some ghost is haunting the old mansion where no one in their right mind would ever spend the night, the furnishing are usually going to be a good example of Gothic Theme Furniture. The theme actually has a long and storied history, and was not designed in Hollywood as a set decoration for B grade horror movies.
The Gothic period began around 1150, and was the first break from the classical themes of Rome and Greece that had been the benchmark for Western Culture for thousands of years. This time has been called the middle Ages, and also the Dark Ages, and it was marked by a large gap between the rich and the poor. Furniture for the poor was makeshift and functional, and furniture for the rich was classical. At this time, however, a unique and definitely non-classical theme was emerging. It began, as did many things at this time, in the Church. From the beginning, it consisted of heavily carved and ornately decorated motifs.
As the theme moved from the Church to the homes of an emerging middle class of merchants, and minor nobles, it retained much of the religious themes that marked the early Church connection. Other motifs were heraldic symbols like griffins, lions, and hawks. Floral themes were popular and the royal Fleur-de-lis was also used often. The name Gothic referred to the barbarians of the north, the Goths, and was first applied to the theme as an uncomplimentary reference to its break from the classic themes of the past. Many of the emerging middle class, especially the minor nobles, were very mobile during this period. They were forced to move from home to home, and Castle to Castle, following their lord, or going to war. This led to the introduction of chests and cabinets that could be easily loaded and transported. The armoire for clothes storage and the buffet for the storage of eating utensils made their debuts during this period. Tables with drawers were also introduced during this period.
Bedroom furniture consisted of large four poster beds with elaborate backboards and posts. The carvings were often of Gargoyles and other mythical creatures that served to scare away evil spirits, and were borrowed from the churches where the theme began. Other accessories associated with religious themes served as further decoration. These included stained glass windows, and ornate candelabras.
The theme gave way to the Renaissance period, and because of the enlightened thinking of the period, it fell into disfavor. It was the beginning of the idea of separating the religious and the secular, and Gothic was too religious for the taste of the emerging free thinking classes of the time. In 1840, in the United States and Great Britain, the theme had a revival. It became popular during the Victorian period, and a large number of items were produced that were very identical to the original pieces. As in the past, oak was the most popular material used, although other woods were sometimes used as well. Most of the antique pieces found today date from this period as an original piece from the medieval period would be very rare and valuable. In addition to it popularity in those old films, the theme is having a bit of a second revival today with reproduction Gothic pieces becoming more available. They are used as accessories most often, although some homes are being decorated in the theme complete with the gloomy light of stained glass windows. If it does nothing else, it will certainly please any stray ghosts that might be lingering about the home.
By: Stephan Teak