Glossary

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Gadroon - Relief pattern consisting of a series of parallel, convex lobes projecting beyond the surface, or inverted fluting. Popular in late 17th century England and 18th century America.

Gallery - The ornamental metal or wood railing around the edge of a table or desk.

Gateleg Table - A table with two drop leaves, one on either side. When raised they are supported by legs which swing out like gates from the center.

Georgian - A period of design in English furniture from 1714 to 1795. Among the best known designers were Hepplewhite, Sheraton, Chippendale, and the Adam Brothers. Mahogany and walnut were the chief woods used.

Gesso - A prepared plaster of chalk and white lead which may be cast to make repeating ornamental forms in relief to be applied to wood panels, plaster surfaces, etc.

Grain - The size, alignment, and color of wood fibers in a piece of lumber.

Green Lumber - Freshly cut lumber that has not had time to dry.

Grit - A measure of the size of abrasive particles used in the manufacturing of sandpaper. Grit can also be measured as the number of particles in a square inch of sandpaper surface.

Grotesque & Mythological - Fanciful decoration emphasizing the supernatural and comical elements in furniture, designed with demons, dragons, griffins, nymphs, dwarfs, and other mythical creatures.

Grotto - Furniture designed in the late 19th and early 20th century in Venice. Comprised of four basic components; scalloped shells, sea horses, dolphins, and triton horses.

Gueridon - A small table or pedestal with a circular top dating from the 17th and early 18th centuries. Originally used to support candelabras.