The word 'Regency' has long been associated with elegance conjuring up
visions of fashionably dressed ladies and gentlemen promenading along
streets lined with refined terrace houses and villas. Although strictly
covering the decade from 1811 when King George III fell ill until his
death in 1820, the period is often used loosely to include the latter
years of the 18th century up until the time Queen Victoria came to the
throne in 1837.
The era saw a good deal of change. The industrial revolution marked the
spread of factories; there were rapid developments in transport; global
expansion of commerce and trade; and groundbreaking legislation
including the abolition of slavery. These changes created an
unprecedented demand for new houses especially from a newly wealthy
middle class and offered a multitude of choice in furniture and fabrics
to decorate them. Spa towns such as Cheltenham and Leamington developed
during this time along with seaside resorts such as Brighton.
Using his own drawings and full color photographs, Trevor Yorke,
explains the background and describes the architecture, fixture and
fittings that made the Regency period so distinctive. He also introduces
the notable architects of the day including John Nash who created Regent
Street, Marble Arch and designs for Buckingham Palace; Sir John Soane
who built Dulwich Picture Gallery and his own house in Lincolon's Inn
Fields; and Henry Holland who built Carlton House for the Prince Regent,
Woburn Abbey and Althorp and laid out parts of Knightsbridge including
Sloane Square.
