Hepplewhite Style (1775-1800)

The Hepplewhite style, which bears the name of its creator George Hepplewhite, was considered elegant and trendy during its time. 

Hepplewhite style chair with a black cushion and dark wood legs.
Heppelwhite style chair

Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/647772ae-26fe-4bc0-b064-e54f4ba02afd

Who was George Hepplewhite?

George Hepplewhite was an  English cabinetmaker and furniture designer whose name is associated with Neo-classicism, yet not so much is known about him. After he died in 1786, his widow, Alice, continued his work. In 1788, she published a book featuring about 300 projects, “The Cabinet Maker and Upholsterers Guide.” Further, the book influenced cabinetmakers for several years.

The cabinet-maker and upholsterer's guide. First edition.
The cabinet-maker and upholsterer’s guide cover

Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org

Hepplewhite Drop Leaf Table drawing with a medium-wood finish.
Hepplewhite Drop Leaf Table created in 1942

Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/9a8e2493-8583-47f7-83bc-dd45f2d7c667 by Hugh Ryan

Carvings were important features of his designs. He preferred satinwood and sycamore for unusual veneering, and on his satinwood panels, there are decorative paintings of Angelica Kauffman, Michael Angelo Pergolesi, and other Italian artists. Additionally, sideboards and desks were decorated with carved details employed with chaste restraint. 

A dark wood vanity in the hepplewhite style with brass hardware and a cushioned bench.
Vintage bench with a Hepplewhite style vanity

Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/75799aac-0eda-40a6-9a91-04f7dfb8ea60 by TheLivingRoominKenmore

A sidechair, painted dark with pink and deep green details and a light cushion.
Chair based on an engraving in George Hepplewhite’s “Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer’s Guide” (1788)

Image source: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/1729?searchField=All&sortBy=Relevance&ft=by+Hepplewhite&offset=0&rpp=20&pos=5

Hepplewhite Style Characteristics

The furniture designed by Hepplewhite was a deep rethinking of the neo-classical model, beginning to a new way of conceiving furniture. Recurrent characteristics are:

  • Shield-shaped chair back and delicate carving
  • Upholstered seats
  • Straight, tapered legs
  • Mix of classical-inspired and authentic ancient motifs
A drawing of a medium wood sideboard with silver hardware. An example of the Hepplewhite style.
Nicholas Gorid, Side Board in George Hepplewhite style, 1935-1942

 Image source: https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/231d4a9f-78e4-4c78-bc0f-5d8704075210 by Nicholas Gorid


Info source: https://buffaloah.com/f/fstyles/fed/hepp/index.html

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