When 18th Century Antique Furniture Becomes Contemporary…

Since the Sofia Coppola film of Marie Antoinette was released several years ago, the elegant ornamentation of 18th century rococo and neo-classical French styles has been strongly influencing the contemporary design world. Furniture such as Starck/Kartell’s ‘Ghost’ chair kick-started the movement, and John Reeves’ ‘Louis’ range for Heals incorporates rococo curves in a new way.

Antique Bureau-Plat, Contemporary Style in Faux Malachite Veneer

Now, we’ve noticed one of France’s leading contemporary furniture companies has gone all-out to produce new versions of 18th century French furniture, even including ormolu trimmings and festoons. Visitors to The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair will find it an inspiring source of antique French furniture, which will very probably offer better value for money than buying a reproduction version; and rich colours can be found alongside traditional polished wood finishes.

Louis XVI Style, Antique Gilded Chairs

Regular exhibitor Leuchars specialises in fine 18th and 19th century French furniture - generously proportioned commodes, fine writing desks, and upholstered carved-framed chairs are always offered. Magus Antiques is another good source of traditional and fine French designs, as are Antiques 4 Limited, Wakelin & Linfield, Maggie Charpentier, Lee Wright, Brownrigg@Home and DJGreen.

Country and painted French furniture also abounds at the Fair.  Come and see the next Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair in London’s Battersea Park in April.