Object Description
A Set of Twelve George III Style Dining Chairs
After the design by George Hepplewhite
Carved from mahogany, the set comprised of ten side chairs and two carvers, having tapering front legs and splayed legs to the rear; the carvers embellished with paterae where they legs join the seat rail; the carved and pierced backsplat of Neoclassical shieldback design.
English, Circa 1900
The chairs’ design is closely related to one by George Hepplewhite, showcased in the initial publication of The Cabinet-Maker and Upholster’s Guide from 1788 (plate 9). The drawing presents a shield-back chair quite akin to the one described, albeit having curved legs. Hepplewhite emphasized that this chair should ideally be made from mahogany or adorned with japanned finishing, accompanied by cushions crafted from linen or leather.
Chairs of this type were made by the esteemed company of Gillows, based in London and Lancaster. A chair with a comparable design appears in their Estimate Books.