English Regency Design

Regency refers to the period in England between 1811 and 1820, when the Prince of Wales ruled temporarily in place of his father, King George III, and eventually succeeded him. George IV ruled from 1820 to 1830, spending lavishly on the redecoration of royal residences. He patronized English and French cabinetmakers and upholsterers and helped to popularize a uniquely English style that drew upon ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Gothic elements. Periodicals and design books from the time helped promote new designs, making them available to a broad public that extended well beyond royal patronage. The MFA's collection includes notable examples of furniture, lighting, and clocks by the leading English designers of the early 19th century, such as Thomas Hope, George Bullock, and Benjamin Vulliamy. They and others helped to define what has come to be known as the "Regency" style.