Gothic Church Furniture
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Gothic church furniture comes from the period in history circa 1150 to 1550 and was revived in the 19th century when this antique church furniture returned to popularity. Gothic is not just a term to describe the kinds of worship center styled furniture. It was an architectural style predominant throughout the middle ages. When the Victorians revived the style, it was historically accurate, and captured mostly in cathedrals and public buildings. "The rich and the poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all" Proverbs 22:2). Elements of the predominant architectural design eventually influenced domestic interiors as well.
The style certainly has a recognizable style today. The design in general includes stained glass and pointed arches. The colors red, blue and gold are commonly used in Gothic church furniture. In instances where this style is utilized, the artists drew on influences from the medieval ecclesiastical architecture most commonly seen in churches and great cathedrals. The colors and design draws from remaining medieval manuscripts including illustrations. Because of the time frame when it became popular again, American churches weren't a huge part of the revival. More established worship centers and cathedrals in Europe caught on more quickly to the distinctive design. Classic examples of the style include Notre Dame in Paris, Wells Cathedral in Somerset, and King's College Chapel in Cambridge. The medieval look that helps accentuate antique church furniture includes open beams in the structure of the building, large, stone fireplaces, and lots of black wrought iron in displays such as candlelight and chandeliers.
The style features ornate wood carvings, usually in darker wood. A worship center showcasing this design would appear dark, lit by candlelight and stained glass windows. The woodwork is the key feature of Gothic church furniture craftsmanship. The lines are straight and clean, but within a simple pew or door, the carvings are extremely intricate and detailed. Gothic is sometimes associated with dreary and menacing. Truly, it can be very beautiful, but only if replicated correctly. Today, antique church furniture can be quite costly. Because the craftsmanship was done so well and so long ago, the pieces go for large sums. It's not practical for a church to purchase authentic furniture, but there are many businesses in the marketplace offering replicas. A pair of chairs could cost approximately $2,600, but to buy replicated furniture will be much less expensive. Nevertheless, seeking a beautiful, old world styles for a worship center can bring back the physical feeling of how great God really is.
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