FURNITURE
Dresser believed that people's surroundings had a marked psychological influence on how they felt. He was working at a time when there was a noticeable increase in the population and Britain ruled a vast colonial empire. The wealthy could afford whatever style of furniture appealed to them and there were plenty of firms to supply cheap copies to less well-off buyers. The Victorians were seeking comfort and elaborate decoration as a reflection of their collective feelings about their powerful place in world affairs.
Dresser's approach to furniture design was based on the same functionalist principles as all his other work - objects must fulfil the purpose for which they are created, they must be made from the most appropriate material and must be pleasing in shape and well proportioned. He did not like the contemporary Victorian furniture which normally featured intricate carving and inlaid decoration. He saw the use of padding to fulfil the need for comfort as concealing the essential form which he considered ought to be seen. His own designs display the simplicity which was a hallmark of his approach to all his work. Early English, Egyptian, Greek and Japanese influences are reflected in his pieces.
Dresser not only designed furniture made of wood, he also produced designs for pieces such as chairs, hat stands and hall tables to be made of cast iron. The term furniture in Victorian times also included such items as hot air stoves, grates, fireplace fittings and coal boxes. His holistic approach to interiors meant that every single object in a room was worthy of careful design.
Dresser's work in the area of furniture design is not as well documented as that of his other media. It has been suggested that this is because he worked directly with industrial manufacturers and not through architects and builders which was the normal practice at the time, and that, in fact, he operated in much the same way as design studios do today.
