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British Styles
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British Styles

If you are confused with the phrases used by antiques dealers regarding British furniture, please read the following information, we are sure that it will help in your understanding.

Sheraton Style 1790-1805
Furniture based on drawings in T Sheraton's design books.

Hepplewhite Style 1780-1795
Furniture based on drawings in G Hepplewhite's "The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Guide."

Chippendale Style 1754-1780
Furniture based on T Chippendale's "The Gentleman and Cabinet-Makers Director" containing designs for a wide range of furniture. Style basically rococo, with elements of Chinese, Gothic and neo-classical design.

Adam Style
British expression of neo-classicism through work of Robert Adam and others.

Early (1762-64)
Applied ornament, pieces square, heavy, architectural pieces decorated with carved modern classical motifs, sphinx, urn, acanthus.

Transitional (1765-68)
Metal and plaster replaced wood for carved and moulded decoration - the effect of lightness to the work.

Mature (1769-77)
Decoration became delicate, semi-circular design used, favoured use of pairs of front legs at each end of pieces.

Late (1778-92)
Use of coloured medallions being adopted by other adventurers declined due to his techniques.

Regency Style
George Smith (active 1804-28)
He made furniture in a wide, eclectic range of tastes, based generally on the late neoclassical style of Thomas Hope but also including neo-gothic style work and chinoiserie. He produced several pattern books the first being "A Collection of Designs for Household Furniture and Interior Decoration."

Thomas Shearer (active 1788)
British neoclassical style furniture designer known only for his pattern book "The Cabinet-Makers' London Book of Prices."

John Linnell (d 1796)
Georgian period furniture designer and cabinetmaker. Linnell made furniture in a wide variety of styles, ranging from palladian style work through Chinese Chippendale furniture and Adam style pieces to the plainer neoclassical mode of the Regency style.

Pierre Langlois (active 1760's)
French maker of rococo and neoclassical style furniture who worked in London. He made furniture in the French Louis XV and XVI style, using elaborate marquetry and ormolu mounts.

William Kent (1684-1748)
British architect and furniture designer, leader of British palladian style in furniture.

Thomas Johnson (1714 circa 1778)
Maker and designer of rococo furniture. He was a carver and gilder best known for his engraved designs published between 1755 and 1761.

Ince & Mayhew ( 1759-1803)
Furniture making partnership. William Ince (active 1757-1803) AND John Mayhew (active from 1756-1811). They published designs emulating those of Thomas Chippendale.