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CHAPTER 7

LINENFOLD

Goihic furniture and panelling are out of favour so cherc is linie cali for linenfold panels in the commercial world. Hovvever, apart from bcing attractive, linenfold is a most worthwhile exercisc for a rclativc beginner as it teaches che use of several tools and is an introduction to perspective in shallow relief. Even experienced carvers find chat it sharpens the mind for problcm-solving.

Origins of Linenfold

Why this motif, also known as parchment fold, should have been so popular in the Å‚atÄ™ Middle Ages for panelling on chescs and other furniture as well as walls is not elear. Perhaps it was suggested by the tapestry hangings with which draughts and chills were kept out of the rooms of chat period. Somc of the forms are extremely elaborate, with many folds and considerablc depth of carving (Fig 7.1). Later forms were so scylized as to be no longer recognizable as folded materiaÅ‚ (Fig 7.2).

Fig 7.1 A studenÅ„ linenfold sampler showing luxuriance and depth of folds, largely the result of clever perspective.

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