When this gorgeous settee came to The Conservation Center missing the proper right carved bracket on its front middle leg, our furniture team sprang into action to craft a solution that would seamlessly blend with the rest of the piece.
The settee before treatment.
The area in need of repair.
Settees became popular in the 18th century, particularly during the Georgian era in England. They were often seen in parlors and drawing rooms, reflecting the period's emphasis on comfort and socializing. The design evolved over the years, with various styles emerging in the 19th century, and they continue to be a popular choice for both formal and casual seating in homes. This example is in the style of Queen Anne, and with lush, deep green velvet upholstery, it had clearly been well cared for over the years, but needed a skillful repair to return to our client's home. The team carved a leg bracket to identically match the others and attached it to the base of the piece. The repair was then toned to emulate the surrounding surface as possible using appropriate conservation methods.
Watch the videos below to see our Senior Conservator, Stephen Ryan, in action, and take a look at a gallery spread of treatment progressing! (Make sure to turn on your volume for the videos.)
Then, scroll down to learn more about Queen Anne style furniture.
Photo Gallery:
Queen Anne style refers to a design movement that flourished during the early 18th century, coinciding with the reign of Queen Anne of England. Queen Anne (1665–1714) was the last monarch of the House of Stuart and ruled over England, Scotland, and Ireland. Her reign is often associated with political stability and the unification of England and Scotland, which contributed to the flourishing of arts and culture. In architecture, this style is characterized by asymmetrical facades, large porches, and a mix of materials, often featuring brick and wood. Roofs were typically steeply pitched with gables. In furniture design, Queen Anne style is known for its elegant, curvilinear forms and cabriole legs, which are shaped like a double curve, with a convex upper part and a concave lower part ending in a claw-and-ball or paw foot. Interiors during this period favored lighter colors and decorative elements such as wallpaper, tapestries, and elegant furnishings, creating a sense of comfort and style.
Celebrated for its blend of comfort, elegance, and practicality, Queen Anne style is a favorite in both historic and contemporary design contexts. We were pleased to be able to return this beautiful settee to our client, restored for another lifetime of visitors and guests to enjoy.
The repair prior to toning.
Before treatment.
After treatment.
To learn more about about Queen Anne style furniture, follow this link!
