English Period Furniture

Hepplewhite (Mahogany and Satinwood 1760-1792)

George Hepplewhite owned his own factory and made furniture for Robert Adam. He produced a book of designs "The Cabinetmaker and Upholsters Guide".

He had a fondness for the curved line and introduced this into his design wherever possible. Hepplewhite moved away from the heavy carving of Chippendale and used more refined carving. His favourite timbers to work with were Mahogany and Satinwood. He lightened up the look of the timber without sacrificing the stability.

Best known for his chair back designs - shield back, hoped back, oval and heart shaped which were very popular.

Features of Hepplewhite Furniture

• Used straight tapered legs and also French cabriole leg
• Used decorations such as wheatears, husks, urns, draped cloth, and Prince of Wales feathers.
• Cylinder fall used on writing table
• Reeded chair legs, also single corner reed on square legs.
• Modern sideboard with concave ends and bow front center, searing end.
• Chest of drawers with curved base
• Toilet table (no running water - table to hold basin)
• Wardrobe starts to be used
• Bureau bookcase
• Pembroke Table - drawer at end
• Inlay used around the drawer fronts