George Hepplewhite facts for kids

George Hepplewhite (born around 1727, died June 21, 1786) was a famous cabinetmaker. He was one of the three most important English furniture makers in the 1700s. The other two were Thomas Sheraton and Thomas Chippendale.

Even though no furniture made by Hepplewhite himself exists today, his name is known for a special style. This style of furniture was light and elegant. It was popular from about 1775 to 1800. People kept making furniture in his style for hundreds of years after that. One common feature of his designs was a chair back shaped like a shield. This shield shape was wider than other chair back designs.

Who Was George Hepplewhite?

We don't know much about George Hepplewhite's early life. Some records say he was born in 1727 in a place called Ryton in County Durham, England.

Some people think he learned his trade with a company called Gillows in Lancaster. However, experts are not sure if this is true. He was also a member of the London Society of CabinetMakers.

Hepplewhite's Furniture Business

George Hepplewhite set up his business in London. After he passed away in 1786, his wife, Alice, took over the company.

In 1788, Alice published a very important book. It was called Cabinet Maker and Upholsterers Guide. This book showed about 300 of George's furniture designs. Two more versions of the book came out in 1789 and 1790.

It was only many years after George Hepplewhite died that his designs became truly famous. Some people have wondered if Alice created the designs herself. But there is no proof that she was the original designer. She mainly published the guide after his death.

What Makes Hepplewhite Style Special?

George Hepplewhite's furniture style is easy to spot. It is different from other designers like Thomas Chippendale, who used many styles.

Hepplewhite's designs were thin and had gentle curves. They also looked very balanced. Here are some things to look for in Hepplewhite furniture:

• Shorter, more curved chair arms.
• Straight legs.
• Chair backs shaped like a shield.
• No carvings on the wood.

Instead of carvings, the furniture was decorated with paint. It also often had beautiful inlays, which are pieces of wood or other materials set into the surface.

How Hepplewhite's Designs Influenced Others

The design book published by Alice Hepplewhite was very important. It taught many cabinetmakers and furniture companies for a long time.

Because of this book, people continued to make furniture in the Hepplewhite style. They also created new designs that were inspired by his work. This influence lasted throughout the 1800s and 1900s.

Images for kids

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  A page from Hepplewhite's style guide, published in 1787.

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  Mahogany chairs made in the Hepplewhite style, around 1790.

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  A mahogany dining chair in the Hepplewhite style, made around 1790.

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  A mahogany elbow chair in the Hepplewhite style, made around 1790.

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  A Hepplewhite shield-shaped dining chair in 2014.

See also

In Spanish: George Hepplewhite para niños

• List of furniture designers