Tags
Aesthetism, American, antique, antique periods, antiques, back splat, book, cabinet book, Cabinet Maker book, Chippendale, distressed chair, distressed chairs, era, furniture, furniture history, Hepplewhite, history, interior design, mahogany, Neoclassical, neoclassicism, period, Sheraton, shield back, Solid wood furniture, style
c1960’s Hepplewhite Flame Mahogany Sideboard
A contemporary of Chippendale style, the Hepplewhite period dates roughly 1765-1800. The Sheraton era begins around 1820, so the three design styles share influences and similarities. As is often the case with furniture periods and design in general, Thomas Sheraton’s styles overlap with those of George Hepplewhite and the earlier Hepplewhite period, an era influenced by neoclassicism and characterized by soft, elegant touches, tapered legs, and contrasting veneers with inlay work.
Although Hepplewhite died before Sheraton’s design concepts reached popularity, Hepplewhite’s books were released after his death. His widow, Alice, published 300 of his designs in the 1788 book entitled The Cabinet Maker and Upholsterers Guide. The US quickly replicated these designs in New York, New England, Maryland, Virginia, and the Carolinas.
A shorter era in antique history, the Sheraton period dates from about 1790 to 1820. Sheraton trained as a cabinetmaker and worked as a teacher. His guides and books led to his fame and the resulting furniture period. Published 1791-94, The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer’s Drawing-Book was his first and most successful book. Sheraton, the furniture period, is a neoclassical style within the Federal period in the U.S. In essence, Hepplewhite and Sheraton’s books, as well as the style elements that bear their names, became popular during the same time frame.
Distressed White Chairs – Golf Leaf Chairs – Shield-back Chairs
Hepplewhite Style & Construction
Wood: Mahogany (veneer as well), Cherry, Birch, Maple, Sycamore, and Tulipwood; Rosewood, Satinwood, and Amboyna Veneers.
Chair Backs/Splats: Oval-shaped Backs with Central splats; Shield-back chair frame
Furniture Feet & Legs: Bracket, French, and Spade Feet, as well as continuation of leg (no feet); Rounded with reeds, Simple Round, Square, Straight, and Tapered Legs
Fabric & Finish: Satin, Silk, Brocade, Damask, and Hair Cloth; Oil Varnish and Paint
Common Motifs & Ornamentation: Softly Curving Lines, Drapery Swag, Conch Shell, Plume, Ribbon, Urn, Palmetto, Wheat Ear/Husk, and Honeysuckle; Inlay, Marquetry, Carving, Banding, and Fluting
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