Exploring Hepplewhite

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!

The writer owes images to T. Chippendale's The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, "being a large collection of the most elegant and useful designs of household furniture in the gothic, Chinese and modern taste," A. Hepplewhite’s The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer’s Guide, “repository of designs for every article of household furniture in the newest and most approved taste,” and T. Sheraton's The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Drawing-Book, "recommended by many workmen of the first abilities in London who have themselves inspected the work." 

The writer owes more obscure information to J. Munro Bell’s, Arthur Hayden’s and Charles Messer Stow’s The Furniture Designs of Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Sheraton.