Caribbean Elegance

From Library Journal
Connors, a West Indian decorative arts scholar, presents a comprehensive guide to the development of West Indian furniture and its makers during the colonial era. Detailing the historical and sociological influences at play, he shows how each island's furniture began by reflecting the styles of the various ruling countries (England, Holland, Spain, Denmark, or France) and later evolved into a uniquely Caribbean style as the islands' furniture makers, who were primarily African slaves, began to develop their skills and incorporate African decorative motifs into their designs. Use of the islands' hardwoods, such as mahogany, and the prevalence of items best suited to the climate, such as caned rockers, four-poster beds, and armoires, further defined the style. Numerous color photographs show the furniture in historic buildings. Connors's book is highly recommended for academic, professional, and large interior design collections.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
Here is an exotic interior-design book for anyone who has ever dreamed of escaping to a different way of life. The elegant lifestyle, magnificent homes, and varied furniture and decor of the French, Dutch, Spanish, English, and Danish islands of the Caribbean from the late 18th century to the early 20th century are revealed as never before in this sumptuous volume.With some of the most beautiful tropical islands on earth as a backdrop, dazzling photographs reveal the homes of the sugar barons who made their fortunes there. Tables and beds from St. Thomas and Ste. Croix, armoires and chairs from Martinique, cupboards and chests from the Spanish Antilles, settees and cabinets from the English islands; all are works that combine the grace and opulence of European and North American styles with the vernacular island forms and decorative motifs. These gorgeous examples give the reader a unique view of the casual refinement of aristocratic Caribbean living.


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Connors, a West Indian decorative arts scholar, presents a comprehensive guide to the development of West Indian furniture and its makers during the colonial era. Detailing the historical and sociological influences at play, he shows how each island's furniture began by reflecting the styles of the various ruling countries (England, Holland, Spain, Denmark, or France) and later evolved into a uniquely Caribbean style as the islands' furniture makers, who were primarily African slaves, began to develop their skills and incorporate African decorative motifs into their designs. Use of the islands' hardwoods, such as mahogany, and the prevalence of items best suited to the climate, such as caned rockers, four-poster beds, and armoires, further defined the style. Numerous color photographs show the furniture in historic buildings. Contributing to the publisher's multivolume series on international style (e.g., Alexandra Bonfante-Warren's Moroccan Style), Kemp (Stylish Settings; Beachfront Homes) offers a mainly pictorial work, with some text explaining the decorative touches that make up a tropical Pacific island or Caribbean island look. Illustrated with numerous color photographs, the book gives a succinct overview of the decorative, architectural, and furniture styles of contemporary interiors in the Pacific and Caribbean islands. Kemp's book is recommended for large or regional libraries where this look might be popular (e.g., Hawaii, Florida, California), whereas Connors's book is highly recommended for academic, professional, and large interior design collections. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.


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