Two from a Set of Four French Hepplewhite Mahogany Armchairs

Two from a set of four mid-18th century finely carved mahogany open armchairs in the French Hepplewhite manner, each having an oval back and serpentine seat with channelled arms terminating in slender cabriole legs raised upon tipped feet.

Price listed is for one pair.

George Hepplewhite, along with Thomas Chippendale, is one of England’s best known cabinet-makers although no furniture by his own hand is known to exist. In spite of his later fame, there is very little documentary evidence concerning Hepplewhite’s life, except that he was most probably born in County Durham in 1727 and is reputed to have served his apprecnticeship with the firm Gillows of Lancaster. We know that he later took a shop in London and after his death in 1786, his widow Alice published ‘The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer’s Guide’ in 1788, with two further editions published in 1789 and 1790 – certainly one of the most influential furniture design books of the 18th century.

Hepplewhite’s style is distinguishable from Thomas Chippendale’s in that it is much lighter in form, with slender structures, normally curvilinear in shape. Elements such as shorter arms and tapering legs are also largely present and perhaps the most iconic element in his seat furniture designs is the shield back.

Another style for which he is known is ‘French Hepplewhite’. This pair from a set of four upholstered open armchairs shows the direct influence of the Louis XV fauteuil. However, the overstuffed backs and the slender legs, raised on carved tips, are a very English interpretation of this French form.