The Modern Eclectic

August 2014 – High Point, NC – For occasional furniture manufacturer Jonathan Charles,
mixing antique beauty with modern reverence is their signature mark of craftsmanship.
Case in point: their latest upholstery collection marries antique, neoclassical designs with vivacious fabrics for a refreshing, eclectic look. Employing Old World craftsmanship techniques, from marquetry to hand-carved reliefs, the artisans at Jonathan Charles preserve the essence of original antique furniture from decades past. Combined with fabrics in luscious silks and cheeky prints, the result is a striking blend of traditional formality and whimsical sensibility -- the very icon of a “modern eclectic” design.

Feature Products
 

Designed by William Yeoward, the Kinglsey Armchair features a Gothic back of trellis cutouts designed for both aesthetic and functional purposes. The warm tones from the fruitwood complement the gray hue on Yeoward’s signature polka dot fabric. Also available as a side chair. Dimensions: 24” W x 25” D x 40” H

Designed by William Yeoward, the Gunby Armchairis inspired by his very own, purportedly
designed by Mr. Hepplewhite himself. The gray polka dot fabric, shown on the front seat panel and back, brings a touch of whimsy to the traditional claw feet and cabriole legs. Also available as a side chair. Dimensions: 24” W x 24” D x 38” H

Influenced by classic 50’s Thunderbirds, the 50’s Americana Easy Chair stays true to the car’s
interior with its retro striped leather upholstery and sleek wood veneered metal frame. Complete with a car badge detail, the chair is every car collector’s dream come true.
Dimensions: 22.25” W x 26” D x 36.25” H.

The east meets west for the Upholstered Classical Form Chair, where its 17th century English
design juxtaposes with the gray chinoiserie upholstery. Finished in a warm medium walnut, the chair makes for a dashing conversation starter. Dimensions: 23.5” W x 24.25” D x 37.75” H.

A cursory glance at the High Curved Back Settee‘s fabric combination would render it a clash of the prints but the eye soon discovers an elegant marriage between a saffron scroll print and a Greek key motif encased in a modern version of a Porter’s Chair circa 1880. Dimensions: 57” W x 29.25” D x 46 ” H.

Based on an 18th century original, the French Provincial Long Bench is outfitted in a custom pink chinoiserie print fabric that harmonizes with the scrolling Rococo legs in a distressed medium walnut finish. Dimensions: 38.25” W x 20” D x 18.5” H

Designed by William Yeoward, the Kilkenny Armchair is inspired by an antique discovered on
his travel to Ireland. Handcrafted from acacia, the chair’s country white finish and navy polka
dot fabric lend a casual, playful tone. Dimensions: 22.75” W x 23.75” D x 37.5” H.

The Gilded 18th Century Dining Chair is made even more opulent by its striped metallic
fabric seat which highlights the high sheen on the antique gold leaf frame. The undulating top rail
above an openwork back reveals ornate floral carvings on the pierced splat andcabriole
legs. Dimensions: 24” W x 22.75” D x 40.25” H.

The formality of the 19th century Regency Style Walnut Settee’s ornately carved frame is a stark
contrast to the carefree spirit of the fabric print. The Settee boasts decadent lotus leaf and
reeded carvings on its tall walnut frame. Dimensions: 63.25” W x 27.25” D x 35.5” H.

About the Designer:

Jonathan Charles Fine Furniture is the vision of Jonathan Sowter, an English furniture designer who excels at the art of fine antique reproduction. Though Jonathan draws inspirations from original antiques he discovers in his travels, his unique twists create contemporary translations of vintage treasures. With a keen eye for the smallest details, Jonathan employs traditional, hand-crafted techniques to create the most visually-stunning and intricate designs. As Jonathan always says, “It’s all in the detail…”