The Regency period (c.1811–1830) represents one of the most glamorous chapters in British design history. Defined by the taste of the Prince Regent — later George IV — this era combined classical inspiration with a passion for exoticism, resulting in furniture and decorative arts of exceptional refinement.
The Regency Style
Regency design drew heavily on Neoclassicism, inspired by ancient Greece and Rome, but was also shaped by new discoveries in Egypt, as well as Chinese and Indian influences. The style is characterised by:
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Luxurious materials: rich rosewood, mahogany, calamander, and brass inlay.
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Classical motifs: reeded legs, anthemion and palmette ornament, Grecian scrolls, and Egyptian lotus forms.
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Exotic touches: sphinxes, griffins, and Chinese fretwork reflecting global curiosity.
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Bold silhouettes: sweeping sabre legs, scrolled arms, and klismos chair backs.
Materials & Craftsmanship
Regency furniture is distinguished by its use of rare and exotic veneers, often enhanced with gilt bronze mounts, ormolu, and finely cast brass details. Tables, cabinets, and chairs frequently display contrasting inlays of ebony, boxwood, and brass, giving pieces a dramatic visual presence. Upholstered furniture emphasised comfort as well as style, with scroll-armed sofas and deep chairs setting the standard for modern living.
Makers of the Regency Period
The era produced some of Britain’s greatest cabinetmakers and designers:
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Gillows of Lancaster and London – renowned for innovative table mechanisms and superb cabinet work.
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Thomas Hope – tastemaker and designer, whose published interiors codified the Grecian style.
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George Bullock – inventive Liverpool-born maker, celebrated for his bold use of brass inlay and native timbers.
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Morgan & Sanders – famed for metamorphic and mechanical furniture, such as library chairs that convert into steps.
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Morel & Seddon – appointed to furnish George IV’s Windsor Castle with grand Regency suites.
These makers ensured Regency design was not only fashionable but also technically accomplished, with furniture built to the highest standards.
Why Collect Regency Furniture?
Regency pieces are admired today for their timeless sophistication. They sit comfortably in both classical and contemporary interiors, offering:
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Statement dining tables and chairs with strong silhouettes.
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Refined cabinets, bookcases, and writing tables with exotic veneers.
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Decorative mirrors, lighting, and gilt-bronze-mounted objets d’art.
Each piece tells a story of an age that valued elegance, comfort, and global influence, making Regency antiques enduringly desirable for collectors, decorators, and enthusiasts.
Discover the Regency Collection
At Nicholas Wells Antiques, we curate an exceptional selection of Regency furniture and decorative arts, from grand dining tables and refined seating to gilt mirrors and lighting. Each piece is chosen for its authenticity, provenance, and craftsmanship, sympathetically restored for use in today’s interiors.
Explore our Regency collection online and experience the bold elegance of an era that continues to inspire timeless design.
