The Informal Jaw: July 2012

30 July, 2012

19th c. Carved Wood Window Bench

This lovely little window bench comes from France sometime during the 19th century. In the Louis XVI style, the bench is small in size making it quite rare. The elaborately hand carved sides are fitted with round upholstered panels which display intricate needlepoint in a floral pattern. The massive needlepoint work on the seat is really quite impressive. I love how petite this piece is, as well as how detailed and delicate the carvings are.

Images from Pia's Antique Gallery via Ruby Lane

29 July, 2012

Schloss Türnich

A few years ago while browsing the Internet for photos of historic architecture, I came across an image of a beautiful chateau. I didn’t know where it was or what it was called, but I knew I wanted to know more. After much research, I finally figured it out. Schloss Türnich is its name and it stands in western Germany about thirty kilometers southwest of Cologne. The present form of the mansion was built during the mid 18th century from 1757 t0 1766 for Carl-Ludwig von Rolshausen. The structure, surrounded by a moat, lies in a wooded area complete with a private baroque garden home to lime trees and various other exotic species. In the late 19th century, along with a complete restoration to the main house, a chapel was built by notable architect Henry Krings on the northwest corner of the mansion. The chapel, partially restored, features marble paneled walls and paintings by the prolific German religious painter Ernst Deger. The current condition of the mansion is not good, however in the past few years a restorative initiative has been put in place. After extensive groundwater damage in 1974 and a small fire in 1991, Schloss Türnich was rendered uninhabitable and the building had to be reinforced from within by installing hundreds of wooden beams. Thanks to a video I found on the Internet, we can see how it was furnished in the early 1900’s. The photos show the design kept true to its original elements with elaborate wall paneling and plasterwork true to the rococo style. One can only imagine what it must have been like in its day. I think its elements of French architecture are what first drew my attention.