Arch

In architecture a semicircular, segmental, or pointed structure by which openings or spaces are spanned. It is much used as a decorative feature on furniture.

Arched Stretcher

The arched or hooped stretcher was introduced into England during the Restoration and shows Spanish influence.

Architects' Furniture

Much of the furniture of the eighteenth century was designed by architects, notably by Sir Christopher Wren, Sir John Vanbrugh, J. Gibbs, W. Kent, J. Ware, Sir W. Chambers, and the brothers Adam. Its distinguishing characteristic is the employment of architectural features in the designs.

Architrave

The portion of the entablature resting on the columns and immediately below the frieze. The mouldings round a door are termed the architrave mouldings and sometimes simply the architrave.

Arm-Chair

So-called to distinguish it from the side chairs which came into general use about the middle of the seventeenth century.

Armoire (L. Armarium, A Chest Or Cupboard)

A French word denoting a large movable cupboard or wardrobe, generally speaking of some importance and magnificence. The name suggests that it was originally a repository for arms and armour, but the earliest examples known to us were of ecclesiastical use. The armoire certainly dates from the thirteenth century. See Ambry.

Arm-Pads

Elbow rests formed by partly upholstering the arms of a chair.

Arms And Supports

The front supports of the arms of a chair. English chairs of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries until the Restoration usually had arms which were supported by an extension upwards of the front legs. Towards the end of the seventeenth century the arms became curved to fit the elbow, were splayed outwards with very bold scrolls at their ends and supported by uprights which sprang from the seat-framing instead of the legs. After this time arms and supports became very ornamental features. In the decorated Queen Anne period the head of an eagle was a very favourite terminating design.

Arras

A generic term for tapestries and other woven wall-hangings, whether simple or elaborate in design, derived from the name of the town in France whence tapestries were imported and weavers came to England in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. The tapestries of Arras are especially remarkable for their texture. In its greatest days the predominating influence was naturally Gothic, but positive identification of these early pieces is very difficult. We know, however, that they often contained the precious metals.

Ash (Fraxinus Excelsior)

A tree native to Britain and the greater part of Europe, attaining a height of fifty or more feet. The wood is greyish-white to pale yellow and very flexible. It is used principally for agricultural implements, cart wheels, etc., and also for furniture of the farmhouse type, bottoms of drawers, etc. Ash has a peculiar and unusual lateral grain, known as "fiddle-back" or "ram's-horn."

Astragal

A small semicircular moulding, sometimes decorated with beads or berries of olive or laurel, in such cases called a barguette, chaplet, or bed.