The General View of the Interior of a Library in this Style [Gothic] is shown in fig. 2012 [see above]. The roof is of oak, with the bosses at the intersection gilt. The shields should be painted of their proper colours. At the end of the room is an enclosed bookcase, and opposite each window is a corresponding recess for books; these recesses may have carved oak doors. In this Design, Mr. Lamb has shown two elegant chairs, a library table, and a footstool. . . . . On examining the chairs, it will be seen that there is not that descrepancy between the hind and the fore legs, that there is in the designs for chairs in the modern style. The backs of these chairs seem to arise out of the seats, and to be firmly fixed to them.......Their forms are no doubt what might be called stiff...; but that stiffness belongs to the style.
J. C. Loudon, An Encyclopaedia of Cottage, Farm, and Villa Architecture and Furniture, London, 1833, though obviously an English work, was an influence on American Gothic interior design.
Copyright © 2003 Sarah E. Mitchell