Edwardian

The term Edwardian is broadly used to refer to any article (architecture, furniture, fashion) that gained prominence or was made in the era of Edward VII between 9th November 1841 and 6th May 1910. King Edward VII was very fond of travelling, and during his reign continental European arts and fashion gained particular enthusiasm.

During the Edwardian era, the British caste system was at its most rigid. However, it was during this period that the various concepts that provoked changes in social thought took seed. In theatre the Edwardian era was characterised by the rise of New Drama, especially the plays by George Bernard Shaw and Harley Granville Barker. The Edwardian era saw a large number of novels and was best-known for names like H.G. Wells, John Galsworthy, Arnold Bennett, Joseph Conrad, E.M. Forster and P.G. Wodehouse.

In art, the Edwardian era is called the 'Belle Epoque', or the 'beautiful era'. The Edwardian era was characterised by its own peculiar style in architecture, fashion and art. It was during the Edwardian era that the Art Nouveau movement reached its pinnacle.

Edwardian furniture was well-revered for its highly-styled flowing, curvilinear designs that incorporate floral and other plant-inspired motifs. Edwardian-era fireplaces often feature flat floral textile designs. Edwardian jewellery often uses highly stylized organic forms as a source of inspiration, and is said to expand its repertoire to include more “natural” themes.