Since our
class is working on a project to submit to the Bienenstock Interior Design
Competition, we took a field trip to the Berniece Bienenstock Furniture Library
in High Point, North Carolina. While
there, we were fortunate enough to learn about the library’s history and have
some time to dive into the extensive furniture book collection. The library is located in the Grayson house,
which was built in 1923 and later purchased by Sandy and Berniece
Bienenstock. This library contains the world’s largest collection of books and
publications on the history and design of furniture, including a rare
book room with books published as early as 1543. It was a treat to not only see the collection
of books, but also to admire the gorgeous architecture of the home, which is
entirely original.
Driving by the Furniture Library in High Point, NC
Gorgeous, original interior architecture of the library
Books, books, and more books!
Imagine my excitement when I was able to
experience a peek into "rare" book! White gloves
were mandatory.
Our
instructor had given each of us a design period to research, along with
researching a designer. My research
includes the design style of Louis XIV.
This time period featured a very ornate style, drawing ideas from flora,
fauna, mythology, architecture, and war.
Materials included walnut, chestnut, or oak and could be left a natural
color or painted bright colors, or even gilded in silver or bronze. It was very common to see inlays of materials
such as tortoise shell, metals such as brass, copper, steel, etc. in the
designs. Louis XIV chose his personal
emblem to be the “rising sun” as he was known as the “Sun King”, and this could
also be seen in designs from this era.
Two of the
most prominent contributors to this style were Charles LeBrun and Andre Charles
Boulle. LeBrun was a gifted painter who
is known for large altar pieces and paintings of battles. His most important pieces are at the
Versailles. Boulle was the master
cabinet maker to Louis XIV, and was considered the most remarkable of all
cabinet makers. Boulle carried out numerous commissions for princes, nobles,
and ministers.
For more information on the Berniece Bienenstock Furniture Library, visit http://www.furniturelibrary.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment