Broadly speaking the Edwardian style or Edwardian era spanned the reign of King Edward VII which was 1901 to 1914.
This interestingly is also the period (with a little bit of leeway) that the Art Nouveau period covers, the Art Nouveau period being seen as popular from 1890 through to 1910.
As with all styles and eras items continued to be crafted and manufactured beyond these dates, often because of taste, conflict/wars or just because some artists were ahead of / behind the curve of styles and tastes.
Additionally, in Australia there is overlap with a design known as Federation style, which refers to when Australia federated in 1901. While the architectural Federation style is considered a separate style, the furniture and other items is most commonly aligned with the Edwardian style. At Tyabb we have had some items for sale in the past the dealers have identified as Federation style, however it's a somewhat smaller range than others as this style was only produced in Australia.
The Edwardian era and style was perhaps the last led by the reigning monarch. The previous eras and styles the reigning monarch was most often the trend / style setter for culture in Britain and the colonies. But post the Edwardian era art styles became less reliant or defined by the reigning monarch and were instead separated by art styles, wars / conflicts or year / eras.
One of the "defining" features of the era was that of eclecticism some sources state that it lacked a firm design style of the previous Victorian and Georgian styles that went before it. The style that came out of this eclecticism can be seen as breaking away / revolting against the formalised Victorian style, while still riffing on its key design elements.
In many cases during the Edwardian period there were still manufacturers and craftsmen continuing to create items from previous eras, meaning some items can be Victorian/Edwardian in style with only some hints that they are from the later era.
Some of the dominant words interior designers and historians use to describe the Edwardian era furniture wise was that of lightness, 'airy' or whimsical. Mostly this can be viewed in contrast to the heavier, darker tones of the Victorian era's furniture and styles.
A notable material that began to make its way into furniture in the Edwardian period was the use of bamboo and wicker in furniture. Along with more floral and lighter prints this helped emphasise the Edwardian era as the time of the long summer afternoons and garden parties.
The Edwardian era represents an era of change out of the formality of the Victorian era, and gives you the option to explore antiques that have a lighter, decorative style to them. While at Tyabb we have had and will continue to have a variety of Edwardian antiques and decorative items, it remains a smaller era compared to some. The Edwardian era may allow you to explore antiques through eclectic, whimsical yet beautifully detailed items and unique pieces.
Further reading:
TV Shows that illustrate the Edwardian era:
Mr Selfridge, begins in 1909.
Downton Abbey, while it begins in 1912, the styles present within Downton represent the Victorian and Edwardian styles and interiors.
