Popular Woodworking 2008-08 № 170, страница 46

carving typical of the Chippendale period, but keeps with the geometric nature of Federal furniture. And that also suits me.

Falling loosely in the carving category is the reeding on the legs of late Federal-period pieces. Despite my lack of enthusiasm for carving, I do enjoy reeding a turned leg due to the sense of elegance the finished legs impart.

From the Beginning

No discussion of this period would be complete without a little of history behind the style. This is another aspect I enjoy, because it combines my interest in history with the woodworking.

The Federal period coincided with the emergence of our Republic, but its origins were in the mid-18th century, with the discovery of ancient Greek and Roman ruins. Interpretations of these discoveries were the rage in all of Europe.

Among the most prolific designers to embrace this new style was Robert Adam who, along with his brother, published "Works in

Dynamic duo. Combinations of veneer and stringing were used to enhance projects. Both clock doors are veneered. The lower door is most obvious with a panel set inside the string. But under close scrutiny, the upper door reveals the entire frame is covered with edge banding.

Architecture" in 1773. This book was very influential and signaled the demise of the Rococo style.

This new style, referred to as Neoclassical , was refined even further during the next decade or so and these changes were displayed in the published works of George Hepplewhite (1788) and Thomas Sheraton (1791-94). The influence of these two men was so great that their names now define the style.

Although we had won our independence from England, the country's influence was still pronounced. So naturally, what became popular in England was adopted here - although somewhat later and with our unique interpretation. Americans, with their new-found independence, were drawn to this style not only because of the influence from England, but also the perceived connection between our new republican government and those of the Romans and Greeks.

A New Wave of Design

American Neoclassical furniture is generally less ornate than its English counterparts and, like the Queen Anne and Chippendale furniture before it, was typically more vertically oriented. The changes were so significant that this new style became known as "Federal," referring to our then-new Federal republic.

You can't help but notice. Sideboards, not found in homes prior to the neoclassical period, became the focal points in many dining rooms and these stately pieces included many of the period's woodworking characteristics.