Thomas

Sheraton
English furniture designer

Thomas Sheraton,(born1751,Stockton-on-Tees, Durham, Eng.diedOct. 22,

1806,Soho,London),English cabinetmaker and one of the leading exponents
ofNeoclassicism.Sheratongave his name to a style offurniturecharacterized
by a feminine refinement of late Georgian styles and became the most
powerful source of inspiration behind the furniture of the late 18th century. His
four-part Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterers Drawing Bookgreatly influenced
English and Americandesign.

Sheraton was apprenticed to a cabinetmaker,

but he became better known as an inventor,
artist,
mystic,
and
religious
controversialist. Initially he wrote on
theological subjects, describing himself as a
mechanic, one who never had the
advantage of collegiate or academical
education. He settled in Londonc.1790,
and his trade card gave his address as
Wardour Street, Soho, where he teaches
perspective,architectureand
ornaments,
makes designs for cabinet-makers, sells all
kinds of drawing-books.

Introduction

Sheraton style corresponds closely withFrench Directoire style, blending in a

sort of assumed idea of classical styles with straight, clean lines. During
the war with France, the need for inexpensive furniture was great, and
Sheratons designs suitedin turn, introducing his version of Neo-Classical
style to the middle class.

Sheraton, who is closely associated with both

George Hepplewhite and Duncan Phyfe,
created beautifully streamlined Neo-Classical
furnituremost
notably
the
modern
sideboard.
Sheraton was known for his love of secret
drawers and mechanisms for sliding sections,
and often included them in his secretaries,
tables and desks. His desks also featured a
raised back tier full of drawers and slots.

Sheraton-style cane-backed armchair.

Introduction

 straight lines and overall delicacy

upholstered seats
back support designs: lattice-work, turning, reeded
columns, racquets, and armchairs a distinct
Sheraton touch: arms that curved upward to meet
the back rail, and elegant scrolls above their
supports.
rectilinear frames
round or straight tapered legs
motifs including: urns with swags, husks, fluting,
festoons, rams heads, and the lyre, borrowed
from Adam
contrasting inlay, using tulipwood, sycamore, and
rosewood
fancy or painted frames in green, gray, red,
black,
white, white & gold, or japanned motifs

A Thomas Sheraton cherry desk

with a brass gallery along its top
drawers.

Features

Greatly inspired by both the Adam brothers andLouis XVI style,

Sheraton furniture featured:

Materials used:

A fancy Sheraton-style
armchair with a lyre-carved back
splat

A Thomas Sheraton desk along with

its top drawers.

Materials

Primarily oak, walnut, and mahogany. Solid oak remained a standard throughout the
Georgian period, while mahogany grew in popularity near the end of the period. Solid
walnut pieces all but disappeared from Georgian furniture, leaving the solid walnut
and mahogany chairs of George II behind in favor of solid oak with thick, mahogany
and walnut veneers.

A Sheraton demilune table.

A Sheraton-style Neoclassical desk with

beautiful rosewood veneers, brass pulls,
and a pierced brass trim around the
shelf

Sheraton Style in America

Sheraton
chairs were incredibly influential during Americas Neo-ClassicalFederal
Style, much likeHepplewhites. Sheratons painted chairs werent as popular in
America, but a mix of Sheraton- and Hepplewhite-style open armchairs would lead to
the American Martha Washington chair.

Sheraton Style examples