Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, May 7, 1995 TAG: 9505080045
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KATHY SUE GRIGG
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Like the Hepplewhite style. Its originator, George Hepplewhite, was a London cabinetmaker and designer who died in 1786.
His designs emphasize gracefulness and elegance. They also resemble those of Sheraton, although Hepplewhite upholstered his chair seats over the front rail area.
The shield back chairs have an unbroken curve on the top and are the most distinctive Hepplewhite style.
There are also the interlacing heart back and the oval back with the vase or the lyre backs. The arms are unusually short and curved. The legs are square or rounded that are tapered and often reeded, grooved or carved with a spiral band that terminates in a spade foot. The Hepplewhite style was used in the upper-class homes in colonial times. Much of the furniture was usually made to order. Hepplewhite design schools were immensely popular in the 18th century in England and the American colonies. Because of this it is very difficult for most people to tell whether the furniture was made by the English or the American craftsmen.
You will probably find that Hepplewhite furniture is fairly expensive, but if you're looking for simple elegance, it's worth every penny.
by CNB