Hepplewhite

George Hepplewhite (1727 – 1786) was a cabinet maker and regarded along with Thomas Sheraton and Thomas Chippendale as one of the “big three” furniture makers in 18th century England.

Unfortunately none of his furniture items survive, but he gave his name to a specific design of elegant light furniture that became very fashionable in the last quarter of the 18th century. His designs inspired many reproductions throughout the following centuries.

When he died in 1786, his wife Alice took over the business and she published a book of about 300 of his designs called “The Cabinet Maker and Upholsterers’ Guide”. This was so popular that two further editions were published in 1789 and 1790.

The ‘signature’ style of Hepplewhite was slender, curvilinear and well balanced. His chair arms tended to be shorter and more curved, legs were straight, chair backs would be shield-shaped and there was no carving. Decoration was done by means of paint and inlays.