FURNITURE GLOSSARY

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 421, 1 August 1928, Page 7

FURNITURE GLOSSARY

WHAT IX) YOU CALL THAT PIECE? LAST SERIES Tambour Work. —From the French word, “Tambour,” drum. Small slats of wood or moulded beads glued transversely to a stout canvas or other flexible backing. Sheraton used this feature in his pull-over or reed-top desks. Tester. —The wooden canopy or frame on a four-poster bed and which served to support the valances and bed curtains. Modern sanitary ideas have practically done away with the tester, but it is still found in remote parts. Tole. —Painted and decorated tin which came into fashion in France about 1760. Clement, a master painter of the day, is credited with the invention of this innovation with which he endeavoured to supplant Chinese and Japanese lacquer. Torchere. From the French "Torche,” torch. Originally large floor candlesticks made to hold one large wax candle or torch. Toward the end of the 17th Century they began to be

made with several arms, thus becoming floor candelabra, still later developed into gueridons serving as stands to the extremely fashionable lights. This transformation from the primitive torch to the ultra-civilised girandole epitomises the whole history of lighting and is of extreme interest. Trumeau. —Originally an architectural term given to the wall between two windows, decorated with painting or mirrors. It Is now used to designate an overmantel or even overdoor. It sometimes is composed of a decorative painting combined with mirror.

Wheel-back Chair. —Another of the familiar cottage chairs of the English Midlands. The wheel-back design was introduced by the Adams brothers.