Mirror, mirror on the wall: What does manor furniture tell us?

Dear friend! Have you ever wondered, while visiting manors or castles, why such large buildings were once built as family homes and why they contained so much furniture? Why were so many rooms and thousands of luxurious objects needed? Come to a course at Raikküla Manor on 21 November and find out! You’ll also learn about the many secrets of antique furniture. Why does one chair cost thousands while another just like it is worth nothing? Is the wardrobe I inherited from my grandmother rare, and how is its price determined? Raikküla Manor houses Estonia’s largest antique furniture exhibition, where objects tell fascinating stories of royal palaces, Estonia’s grand manors, a farmhouse with an earthen floor, and modern city homes during the First Republic. This is the perfect place to explore the rich world of furniture art!

The course will be led by Ivo Lambing, owner of Raikküla Manor, developer of the Estonian Manor Museums, and a furniture expert, collector and restorer. For years, he has taught students at the Estonian Academy of Arts, Pallas University of Applied Sciences, vocational schools and elsewhere.

The course on 21 November will give a brief overview of the history of manor furniture, its value, and the principles and philosophy of restoration. The programme includes:
- Manor architecture and its connections with furniture art. Furniture in historical interiors.
- How furniture reflects a society divided by social class, and its development and changes.
- The functions of different pieces of furniture, how they were used, and what they tell us about trends, people’s tastes and dreams.
- Estonian farmhouse furniture: how it developed under the influence of manor furniture.
- Examining antique furniture and assessing its value.
- Authenticity and restoration: what to consider when restoring old furniture and where to find good restorers.

The course consists of a short lecture followed by a practical introduction to and examination of furniture. Hundreds of objects will be explored, from furniture from the Hermitage to the furnishings of an archaic farmhouse room. Antique furniture will be discussed in context—as part of historical interiors and architecture. The course follows one of the most important principles of the manor world: hospitality. Participants will, of course, enjoy sitting on authentic manor chairs. We’ll explain the principles of interior design, including how furniture was historically arranged. We’ll learn to recognise the styles of specific pieces and assess their value, and offer advice on restoration and future use. You are encouraged to bring photographs of your own furniture and ask questions about it.

The course runs from 11:00 to 16:00 and includes the course, a tour of the manor, lunch, coffee and tea. To pay by invoice, write to info@raikkylamois.ee or call 56 244 382. For updates, see Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/3025115811166798

Please note: The course explores old furniture using the largest public furniture exhibition in Estonia originating from the country, displayed in three different buildings at Raikküla Manor.

More information: 56 244 382. SEE YOU THERE!