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This ornate cabinet is lavished with Gothic designs like Celtic Knots, flower and star like designs, Fleur-de-lis, ivy patterns and shields, clearly attempting to imitate medieval art. This cabinetry was placed in Pugin’s medieval court when some people were protesting the dull, uniform cheap efficiency of machines during the Industrial Revolution. These people wanted to revive the quality, ornate Gothic architecture and design of the Middle Ages. Thinking that machines would soon replace quality craftsmanship and design with cheap imitations these revivalists sought to revive medieval art. They liked the fact that every piece produced by a craftsman is unique. Furniture can be customized depending on the consumer’s tastes, needs and preferences. The fear that machines would end this beautiful art form inspired Pugin to order the carving of medieval style furniture for his medieval court. These were displayed in the Crystal Palace to exhibit these treasures of the Middle Ages. |
