_FURNITURE AND ITS MAKERS_ _George Heppelwhite_ SIX George Heppelwhite was one of the great names in furniture making. His wife published after his death a book, “The Cabinet Maker and Upholsterer’s Guide, or Repository of Design for Every Article of Household Furniture in the Newest and Most Approved Taste,” on which his reputation rests. This book went through three editions in 1788, two years after the author’s own death. The designs in his book are characterized by comfort rather than artificiality. With this is combined great technical excellence and extreme lightness and durability. Curiously, however, these designs are not all of equal value. Some are as good as the best work of any era, while others are most commonplace. Although even at that time tea cost five dollars a pound, its use had become very popular throughout England. Heppelwhite introduced many articles that had to do with the tea service. Many peculiarly constructed and choice urn stands, tea trays, chests, and caddies are attributed to him. Heppelwhite’s furniture had an interesting characteristic. The legs tapered delicately on the inside faces only, and were finished with a square foot. This gave the impression of grit and power to otherwise fragile furniture. There were several stock designs, or ornaments, of which this furniture maker made frequent use. He was particularly fond of inserting ovals in the backs of his chairs. Frequently a carved ear of corn was used as a decoration. Heppelwhite also made abundant use of a Prince of Wales feather in delicate carving, combined with an inlay of colored woods. This use of the royal plume was attributed to his loyalty to the Prince of Wales. It was conclusive proof of the popularity of the Prince’s party when the illness of George III caused such national strife. The fact that Heppelwhite was accused by his enemies of plagiarism does not detract a bit from his real position. It shows rather that, like all real artists, he remained a student until the close of his career. He never disdained to profit by the experience and teachings of others, even those less eminent than himself. PREPARED BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION ILLUSTRATION FOR THE MENTOR, VOL. 1, No. 30, SERIAL No. 30 End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mentor: Furniture and its Makers, Vol. 1, Num. 30, Serial No. 30, by C. R. Richards