Facts
A coffer is a strong box or chest for holding valuables. Some early churches used them to allocate funds for various purposes as separate
bank accounts or funds might be used today. The term is also used to describe a box that was used originally for holding possessions during
travel and later for castle storage. By the 14th century the Flemish were using them for storage of clothes, documents and household
goods. The coffer became an item of European domestic furniture. Both ecclesiastic and domestic coffers evolved into highly decorated
pieces. Gothic style refers to a European medieval type of architecture and design which replaced the Greek and Roman classical style after
the Goths dominated Europe. The style is epitomised by the Gothic cathedrals built from the 11th century to the current day.
History
Gothic Revival was one of several styles adopted by architects and designers of the 19th century who took inspiration from earlier periods.
It drew on architecture of the Medieval period, particularly 14th and 15th century religious design. The Gothic Revival period spanning 1830
to 1900, was seen by some to represent a return to the spiritual values of the Middle Ages which had been degraded by industrialisation.
Ironically it was the innovations to manufacturing techniques that enabled such a variety of styles to be produced.
Miscellaneous
Adapted from medieval religious design, Gothic Revival is characterised by pointed arches, and heavy carving featuring trefoil and quatrefoil
shapes, and heraldic motifs. The preference was for dark wood, commonly oak. The designs have a solid, heavy appearance. AWN Pugin
and William Burgess were leading exponents of Gothic Revival architecture and design.
Note: Right side panel text and photos provided by Lynda Herrod.
