The Commonwealth Period is the interval in English history between the execution of Charles I in 1649 and the restoration of the monarchy under Charles II in 1660, during which England was governed as a republic, latterly under Oliver Cromwell as Lord Protector. In the decorative arts the term describes the plain, sober style associated with these years.
The Puritan values of the period discouraged lavish display, and the disruption of the Civil Wars had reduced the patronage of the court and aristocracy. Furniture of the period is generally of oak, with restrained decoration such as simple turning, moulding and geometric panels, and characteristic pieces include leather-upholstered back stools and chairs secured with brass nails, sometimes called Cromwellian chairs, and gateleg tables. Silver of the Commonwealth years is comparatively scarce, partly because so much plate had been melted down to finance the Civil Wars, and it tends to be plain and practical, so surviving pieces are keenly sought. After 1660 the restored court brought a sudden flowering of luxury and Continental influence. Genuine Commonwealth pieces are rare, and much later furniture has been described as Cromwellian, so careful examination is advisable.
