6. 1688-1702
Furniture Period: William & Mary
Styles & Influences: Baroque, Dutch, Flemish, French
Period King/Queen: William III, Mary II
Previous eras saw dark, Gothic, primitive and uncomfortable furniture, The William and Mary period gave us bright
insight into what was ahead for English furniture. Great numbers of French and Dutch refugee's came to England, many
of them working in the furniture industry. They brought with them many new techniques that continued to increase
the standards of English furniture.
William and Mary Furniture Characteristics
ª Oak, declined as Walnut was used widely, Mahogany made its first appearance.
• There was also use of kingwood and amboyna for inlay work and ebony
• A lot of Dutch and French influences.
• Standards improve as we see a greater number of these antiques today.