George Heppelwhite was one of the great names in furniture making.
His wife published after his death a book, “The Cabinet Maker and
Upholsterer’s Guide, or Repository of Design for Every Article of
Household Furniture in the Newest and Most Approved Taste,” on which
his reputation rests. This book went through three editions in 1788,
two years after the author’s own death.
The designs in his book are characterized by comfort rather than
artificiality. With this is combined great technical excellence and
extreme lightness and durability. Curiously, however, these designs are
not all of equal value. Some are as good as the best work of any era,
while others are most commonplace.
Although even at that time tea cost five dollars a pound, its use
had become very popular throughout England. Heppelwhite introduced
many articles that had to do with the tea service. Many peculiarly
constructed and choice urn stands, tea trays, chests, and caddies are
attributed to him.
Heppelwhite’s furniture had an interesting characteristic. The legs
tapered delicately on the inside faces only, and were finished with a
square foot. This gave the impression of grit and power to otherwise
fragile furniture.
There were several stock designs, or ornaments, of which this furniture
maker made frequent use. He was particularly fond of inserting ovals in
the backs of his chairs. Frequently a carved ear of corn was used as
a decoration. Heppelwhite also made abundant use of a Prince of Wales
feather in delicate carving, combined with an inlay of colored woods.
This use of the royal plume was attributed to his loyalty to the Prince
of Wales. It was conclusive proof of the popularity of the Prince’s
party when the illness of George III caused such national strife.
The fact that Heppelwhite was accused by his enemies of plagiarism does
not detract a bit from his real position. It shows rather that, like
all real artists, he remained a student until the close of his career.
He never disdained to profit by the experience and teachings of others,
even those less eminent than himself.
PREPARED BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION
ILLUSTRATION FOR THE MENTOR, VOL. 1, No. 30, SERIAL No. 30