18th Century Antiques

In the 18th century, antiques played a significant role in reflecting the social, cultural, and artistic developments of the time, and at the same time it was a period of artistic and cultural flourishing, and its antiques continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts today. From the opulent Rococo designs to the elegant Neoclassical aesthetics, these antiques reflect the tastes and sensibilities of the era.

Looking for something a little earlier? Why not browse our 17th Century Collection or a little later and our 19th Century Collection

The 18th century was a time of great artistic and cultural development, and this is reflected in the antiques that have survived from this period. Here are some highlights:

1. Furniture: The 18th century saw the rise of the Rococo and Neoclassical styles, both of which had a significant impact on furniture design. Rococo furniture was characterized by its ornate, curved lines and playful, whimsical decoration, while Neoclassical furniture was more austere and focused on clean, classical lines. Some of the most popular pieces from this era include Chippendale chairs, Louis XV-style commodes, and Sheraton-style tables.

2. Porcelain: The 18th century was also a time of great innovation in porcelain production. The famous porcelain factories of Meissen and Sèvres were founded during this period, and their pieces are highly sought after by collectors today. These pieces are often intricately painted with scenes from classical mythology, nature, and everyday life.

3. Silver: The Georgian era in England saw a great flourishing of silver production, with many skilled silversmiths producing intricate, decorative pieces for the wealthy elite. Silver tea sets, candelabras, and tableware were all popular during this time.

4. Paintings: The 18th century saw the rise of the Rococo and Neoclassical painting styles, which were characterized by their emphasis on delicate, ethereal subjects and classical themes, respectively. Famous artists from this era include Jean-Antoine Watteau, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, and Jacques-Louis David.

5. Clocks: The 18th century saw the development of the longcase clock, also known as the grandfather clock, which quickly became a status symbol among the wealthy. These clocks were often intricately carved and featured elaborate brass or silver dials.

Overall, the antiques of the 18th century reflect a time of great innovation and creativity, with a focus on elegance, refinement, and luxury.

In the 18th century, the techniques used for restoring antiques were quite different from those used today. Here are some of the most common restoration techniques of the time:

1. Veneering: Veneering was a common technique used to restore damaged or worn furniture. This involved applying a thin layer of decorative wood, such as mahogany or walnut, over the damaged area. The veneer was then carefully matched to the surrounding wood and glued in place.

2. French polishing: French polishing was a technique used to restore the finish on wooden furniture. It involved applying several thin layers of shellac using a soft cloth, then rubbing the surface with a pumice stone to create a high-gloss finish.

3. Gilding: Gilding was a popular decorative technique used on frames, mirrors, and other decorative objects. It involved applying a thin layer of gold leaf to the surface using a special adhesive.

4. Inlay: Inlay was a technique used to add decorative details to furniture and other objects. It involved cutting out small pieces of wood or other materials and fitting them into the surface of the object to create a decorative pattern.

5. Patching: Patching was a common technique used to repair damaged areas of furniture. It involved carefully cutting out the damaged section and replacing it with a new piece of wood that was carefully matched to the surrounding area.

Overall, the restoration techniques of the 18th century were focused on preserving the original appearance of the object while making necessary repairs. These techniques required a great deal of skill and patience, and many of them are still used today by skilled restorers.

The 18th century was a time of great artistic and cultural development, and produced many antiques that are highly sought after by collectors today. Here are some of the most popular types of antiques from the 18th century:

1. Antique Furniture: The 18th century saw the rise of several distinct furniture styles, including Rococo, Neoclassical, and Chippendale. These styles are characterized by their ornate decoration and intricate detailing, and examples of furniture from this era are highly sought after by collectors.

2. Antique Porcelain: The 18th century was a time of great innovation in porcelain production, and famous porcelain factories such as Meissen and Sèvres were founded during this period. Porcelain pieces from this era are often intricately painted with scenes from classical mythology or everyday life.

3. Antique Silver: The Georgian era in England saw a great flourishing of silver production, with many skilled silversmiths producing intricate, decorative pieces for the wealthy elite. Silver tea sets, candelabras, and tableware were all popular during this time.

4. Antique Paintings: The 18th century saw the rise of the Rococo and Neoclassical painting styles, which were characterized by their emphasis on delicate, ethereal subjects and classical themes, respectively. Famous artists from this era include Jean-Antoine Watteau, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, and Jacques-Louis David.

5. Antique Clocks: The 18th century saw the development of the longcase clock, also known as the grandfather clock, which quickly became a status symbol among the wealthy. These clocks were often intricately carved and featured elaborate brass or silver dials.

Overall, the antiques of the 18th century reflect a time of great innovation and creativity, with a focus on elegance, refinement, and luxury.