Dictionary
Regency Style

Regency Style replaced the late Baroque style and the early classicist Georgian style in England. The name of the epoch originates from the regency of the Prince of Wales as of 1811; the term "Regency Style" refers to the period between 1800 and 1830, a time of economic upswing and industrialization. Residential houses and functional buildings, as well as furniture and handicrafts were given their particular appearance by the Regency Style.
The usage of cast iron in architecture was typical for this era. The material was traditionally used for bridge building, but also for other constructions, such as the oriental "Royal Pavilion" in Brighton (John Nash, 1815-22). Its use of forms also reflects the popularity of exotic motifs that can also be found in furniture making. George Smith, who embellished his furniture with Egyptian, Chinese and Gothic elements was one of the main representatives of this field. The rich Adam Style in furniture making was contrasted with a solid, massive rectilinearity that was geared to the reception of antique style. Thomas Hope, author of the book "Household Furniture and Interior Decoration" counts among the most important masters.
The Regency Style sculptors (Matthew Cotes Wyatt, William Behnes, Samuel Joseph) accomplished a smooth transition to the early Victorian Style. The realistic and yet romantic landscape depictions experienced their heyday in paintings by John Constable (1776-1837), William Turner (1775-1851) and the representatives of the Norwich School; at the same time the interest in political and social caricatures saw an increase (James Gillray, Thomas Rowlandson).