Gothic Revival

Primarily an architectural movement which began in the 1740s in England. Its popularity grew rapidly in the early nineteenth century, when designers sought to revive medieval forms in contrast to the classical styles prevalent at the time. The revived Gothic style was not limited to architecture, jewelry and decorative arts took on a decidedly structural and rigid appearance. Whimsical Gothic detailing in English furniture is traceable as far back at Lady Pomfret's house in Arlington Street, London circa 1740’s. The illustrated catalogue for the Great Exhibition of 1851 is replete with gothic detail, from lacemaking and carpet designs to heavy machinery.