\paperw5085 \margr0\margl0\ATXph16380 \plain \fs20 \f1 \fs22 The way grand people lived changed considerably around the beginning of the 17th century. In the Middle Ages, manori
al lords used to impose their power by travelling from one estate to the next, taking much of their household with them. By ShakespeareÆs day, however, the wealthy still travelled, but with only a few companions and without carrying all their most treas
ured possessions with them. Thus their houses remained furnished all the time, and most of the old forms of furniture became obsolete. Tapestries and folding chairs retained their importance as status symbols, but no longer had any practical value. In
stead, rooms were furnished with massive items that no one would ever dream of moving: huge beds, elaborate buffets, the writing-cabinet on a stand, the draw-table. Although later in the century such furnishings became more delicate and graceful, such c
hange had more to do with aesthetics and notions of comfort than with any practical considerations. There was plenty of new building during this period, and since defence was no longer a major preoccupation, windows became larger and interiors better li
t. The early-17th century nobleman or successful merchant would turn for his new residence to a mason or a carpenter, since architects at the time were practically unheard of in England. However, this gradually began to change, under the influence of F
rench architects, who introduced the idea of a co-ordinated interior. Thereafter an architect would provide the ground-plan and elevations of the facades, while asking the various contractors for suitable designs for the features they were to provide: f
or example, the plasterer who was to do the ceiling, the mason who was to create the chimneypiece, and the paviour or joiner who had to lay the floor. However, the final appearance of any important 17th century room depended largely on the contribution
made by the upholsterer, who provided all the hangings (for walls, beds, windows, etc.) as well as coverings for seat-furniture, tables and floors. Given the architectural shell, a great upholsterer could unaided provide a complete scheme of interior de
coration. It was therefore he who governed fashion in this field. \par
