Set of 4 antique Hepplewhite style chairs

George Hepplewhite was an English furniture designer and cabinetmaker who was active in the late 18th century. He is known for his elegant and refined furniture designs, which were popular in the late Georgian period and have remained influential to this day.

Hepplewhite was born in 1727 in Ryton, England, and worked as a furniture designer and maker in London throughout his career. He is best known for his book, "The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Guide," which was published posthumously in 1788. The book was a collection of furniture designs and was highly influential in the development of the more... Neoclassical style in furniture design.

Hepplewhite's furniture designs were characterized by their lightness, elegance, and refinement. He favoured delicate proportions, graceful curves, and intricate decorative details, such as carved rosettes and delicate fretwork. He also experimented with new materials and techniques, such as the use of satinwood veneers and inlay work, which gave his furniture a distinctive and luxurious look.

Hepplewhite's designs were highly sought after by the upper classes in England, who appreciated their elegance and sophistication. He was also popular with furniture makers, who used his designs as a template for their own work.

Although Hepplewhite died in 1786, his influence on furniture design continued to be felt throughout the 19th century and beyond. His designs were popular in the United States during the Federal period and continue to be highly regarded by furniture collectors and enthusiasts today. While George Hepplewhite was a highly influential furniture designer, it can be difficult to directly attribute specific pieces of furniture to him, as he did not typically sign his work. However, there are several pieces of furniture that have been associated with Hepplewhite based on their design characteristics and the period in which they were created. less...

The shield back chair is a design attributed to Hepplewhite with the back shaped like a shield often accompanied by a wheat sheaf or Prince of Wales feathers motif in the splats.