French and English furniture / distinctive styles and periods described and illustrated

by Esther Singleton

“Stools,” he says, “should match the chairs, the framework should be of mahogany, or japanned, and of course should be covered like the chairs.” His “window stools” are particularly graceful. They are intended to be placed directly under the window, and their “size must be regulated by the size of the place where they are to stand; their heights should not exceed the heights of the chairs.” Two of his designs, which he considers “particularly adapted for an elegant drawing-room of japanned furniture,” are covered in “taberray or morine of pea-green or other light colour.” The one represented on Plate [LV.] is of “carved mahogany with furniture of an elegant pattern.” He assures us that this “will produce a very pleasing effect.” Another one he recommends to be “japanned and covered with striped furniture;” and two others are “covered with linen or cotton to match the chairs. One is tufted and ornamented with buttons and the other has a scalloped valance trimmed with fringe. A tiny tassel hangs in the centre of each scallop.”

The general characteristics of the stuffed Heppelwhite sofa appear in the full drawing on Plate [LIV.], which also shows the correct covering fastened to the frame by a border of gilt nails. The dimensions of the sofa vary according to the size of the room, but the “proportion in general use” is as follows: length from 6 to 7 feet; depth about 30 inches; height of the seat frame, 14 inches; and total in the back, 3 feet, 1 inch. “The woodwork should be either mahogany or japanned, in accordance to the chairs, and the covering also must be of the same.” A long square sofa he calls “the newest fashion,” and recommends that “the frame should be japanned, with green on a white ground and the edges gilt; the covering of red morocco leather.”

French forms and names were just as popular with Heppelwhite as with Chippendale. On Plate [LIV.], No. 5, is shown a confidante of Heppelwhite’s design. He writes:

“This piece of furniture is of French origin, and is in pretty general request for large and spacious suits of apartments. An elegant drawing-room, with modern furniture is scarce complete without a Confidante, the extent of which may be about nine feet, subject to the same regulations as sofas. This piece of furniture is sometimes so constructed that the ends take away and leave a regular sofa; the ends may be used as Barjier Chairs.” The last name refers to the bergère.

Heppelwhite writes of the duchesse:

“This piece of furniture also is derived from the French. Two Barjier chairs of proper construction, with a stool in the middle, form the Duchesse, which is allotted to large and spacious ante-rooms; the covering may be various, as also the framework, and made from 6 to 8 feet long. The stuffing may be of the round manner as shown in the drawing, or low-stuffed with a loose squab, or bordered cushion, fitted to each part; with a duplicate linen cover to cover the whole, or each part separately. Confidantes, sofas and chairs may be stuffed in the same manner.”

PLATE LVI

Another variety is the “bar back,” which appears as if four open-back chairs (similar to No. 7, Plate [LVI.]) are placed side by side, the two end ones being supplied with an elbow, the general outline of which follows that of No. 8, or No. 5, on Plate [LVI.] We are told that this kind of sofa is of modern invention; and “the lightness of its appearance has procured it a favourable reception in the first circles of fashion. The pattern of the back must match the chairs; these also will regulate the sort of framework and covering.”

Heppelwhite’s beds are much lighter in general appearance than Chippendale’s, both with regard to framework and the hangings. “Beds are an article of much importance,” he thinks, “as well on account of the great expense attending them as the variety of shapes and the high degree of elegance which may be shown in them. They may be executed of almost every stuff the loom produces. White dimity, plain or corded, is peculiarly applicable for the furniture, which, with a fringe or gymp-head, produces an effect of elegance and neatness truly agreeable. The Manchester stuffs have been wrought into Bed-furniture with good success. Printed cottons and linens are also very suitable, the elegance and variety of patterns of which afford as much scope for taste, elegance and simplicity as the most lively fancy can wish. In general, the lining to these kinds of furniture is a plain white cotton. To furniture of a dark pattern, a green silk lining may be used with a good effect.” One of Heppelwhite’s beds on the general model of the one represented as Nos. 1 and 2 on Plate [LVII.] was hung with dove-coloured satin curtains with a lining of green silk. “The Vallance to this bed,” he writes, “is tied up in festoons. The cornice of mahogany may come so low as to hide the curtain rods.” He also gives designs of “Venetian, or waggon top beds,” “dome top beds,” “square dome top beds,” “press beds” and “field beds,” and gives the following instructions with regard to the richest kinds: