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House & Garden 
y 
E N G L I S 
SKETCHES 1 
A Study in 
(Below) Created by R. & J. Adam, 
the dignified classicism oj this style 
of paneling produced a deep im¬ 
pression on the English interior. It 
might be said to be its final develop¬ 
ment. The proportions of the panel¬ 
ing, the details of the moldings and 
carved ornaments are always refined. 
Among the distinguishing features is 
the elimination of wood wainscot 
and stiles. The wood molding was 
applied directly to the plaster. No 
panels were shown below the chair 
rail. Although seemingly wide, mold¬ 
ings are low in relief and conse¬ 
quently do not appear heavy. The 
door surrounds take various forms, 
always markedly architectural in 
character 
The carved and paneled woodwork was a highly 
important item in the decoration of early Georgian 
rooms. This fifth stage in English panel develop¬ 
ment witnessed the passing of oak for paneling and 
the substitution of pine and deal painted. The colors 
used were white, gray, gray green, and sometimes 
blue, brown or yellow. The general proportions are 
bold, and the details of the molding, while bold, are 
simple. A molded chair rail often separates the base 
panels from the upper paneling. The door sur¬ 
rounds were frequently graced by superimposed pedi¬ 
ments, either straight or interrupted by a central 
urn or bust, the same motif often being echoed in 
the chimney piece. Base, surbase, panels and cornice 
were often enriched with ornaments 
In Elizabethan paneling oak was 
used principally and the panels were 
small, being separated by broad stiles 
and rails. Not infrequently the top 
row of panels had a different shape 
and proportion from the others. In 
many instances the paneling ran only 
to wainscot height with the plaster 
wall above. At the top of the panel¬ 
ing was often a carved and molded 
frieze. The ceilings were either 
beamed or molded in geometrical 
patterns. Door frames and pilasters 
were carved in low relief. Door¬ 
ways and fireplaces were often ob¬ 
jects of rich ornamentation, in the 
shape of pilasters and, at the top, 
elaborate carving and molding. Win¬ 
dow openings were large 
