The Middle Renaissance period took place from 1660 until 1750. There were various different people during this time that helped influence the design aspects. Charles II and James II aided in the restoration period, William and Mary helped in the age of walnut, and Queen Anne aided in the furniture development. The great fire of 1666 took place at this time, and and it resulted in the burning of a large section of London. Because of this Sir Christopher Wren set new standards of design known as the baroque urban design. This style was strongly influenced by the french. His standards consisted of wall thicknesses, floor heights, and materials were specified. Sir Christopher Wren was the most renowned english architect of all time. Wren's one major masterpiece is the St. Pauls Cathedral. The design of this cathedral has influenced many other church designs.
William and Mary was the Age of Walnut. During this time the new standards for furniture arose, and there was beautiful furniture for masses. Upholstery appeared for the first time at this point, and the english oak was replaced with walnut. The furniture has straight, turned legs or cup turned legs. The low horizontal "X-stretcher was common, there was also curved cross stretcher. The veneers were perfected, and marquetry as well as lacquer work is present. At this point in time they brought about the William and Mary chairs, William and Mary lowboy and highboy. There was a huge oriental influence on their furniture pieces. The fabrics often used were velvet, brocade, chintz, leather, and needlepoint.
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Extra Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_GeDe0YTog
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