Considering a penchant for baroque style and classic cinema,
it is no surprise that a bench caught the writer’s eye watching Father’s Little Dividend. The film, a
sequel to Father of the Bride and
inspiration for the 90’s Father of the
Bride Part II, satisfied a recent Spencer Tracy kick. It also supplicated
the underestimation of Hepplewhite. For one who knows antiques and the writer,
this is inane. Writer is Chippendale groupie forever. Just look at this
fretwork- Chinois, Chinois.
And, one wouldn’t discuss Chippy without applauding his
fretwork being applied to bookcases!
Digression- below is said bench.
Father’s Little Dividend’s set is replete with 40’s traditional touches. Remnants of this
design angle may be viewed at Grandmother’s house- especially Victorian settees
and too lacy curtains. Though, above bench is strange, elegant and begged, “Who
is Hepplewhite to create such inspiration?”
George and his widow, Alice, who posthumously carried on his
business, were prolific Louis Seize à l’Anglaise designers in the latter
eighteenth century- haute rococo. Hepplewhites never fashioned furniture themselves. Hepplewhite
company rose as one of the big three cabinet designers in Britain. Still, some
sources give Hepplewhite haughty critique disclosing a heavy Robert Adam and
Angelo Pergolesi influence maybe implying hackneyed origins. Some even
unabashedly equalize Hepplewhite and Sheraton!
Sheraton:
Obviously, one may become dizzied by Sheraton’s use of
cherubs and rosettes- very Norma Desmond. Hepplewhite typifies a kind of
restraint- so invents the case for a changed view on a timeworn style.
Marqueterie, inlay work, variations on Pembroke:
Notice tapered legs. Hepplewhite craftsmen usually used
mahogany- the en vogue wood.
Pier table with substantial legs à la Chippendale:
Wing back with winding wings and tapered legs:
Tantamount with Hepplewhite- the shield back chair:
Delicate touches on chair- Hepplewhite craftsmen used composition ornaments made from a putty amalgam:
Wouldn’t this chair look attractive paired with something exotic (maybe a taxidermy leopard)- very Fornasetti! Neoclassicism is Hepplewhite mainstay:
Gouty Stool used to prop the gout inflicted:
Regal duchesse perfect for Duchess de Polignac:
Sectioned confidante:
Amply geometric sofa:
Urn knife cases:
Cellarettes- usually placed under side table in dining room to
hold wine and decanters:
Secretary:
Lamps:
Wardrobe:
Bidet shaving tables and commode dressing table:
Night tables:
Fire screen:
Girandole:
Pier glass used to decorate large spaces between windows:
Bed:
The Français ornateness does strike some as comical. And, one does assume it the reason that Hepplewhite usually only refers to sideboards and pleasant side chairs. The furniture is a bit Frenchy, but one must concede that
the pieces are easily appreciated. Cin, cin, Hepplewhites!