I checked the Henredon website (link) and noted that they no longer manufacture this style piece - at least it was not shown in their product listings.
Settee was purchased at an estate sale in Dunwoody, Georgia |
Sheraton-influenced furniture dates from about 1790-1820. It's named for the London furniture designer and teacher Thomas Sheraton (1751-1806), who trained as a cabinetmaker, but is known for his written guides, especially his first, The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Drawing-Book, published 1791-94. A neoclassic style, it falls within the Federal period in the U.S.
So now that I had found this classic piece, I needed to have it professionally reupholstered in an equally fine fabric. At another estate sale (this time in a true mansion in Buckhead), I had found a very heavy and fabulous golden-yellow matelasse with a large-scale pattern - just enough to do this piece!Because Sheraton furniture is characterized by contrasting veneers and inlays, pieces often contain more than one type of wood. For the base, satinwood was a favorite, but mahogany and beech were also popular. For the decorative elements, common woods included tulipwood, birch, ash and rosewood. Since craftsmen frequently used the local woods at hand, American versions of Sheraton's designs might use cedar, cherry, walnut or maple as well.
I don't know current retail on this type of fabric but know you cannot just pick it up at any of the fabric stores I frequent - it is truly special!
I dropped the piece off at my go-to upholsterers, the Lees at Songs Upholstery in Norcross, Georgia (right around the corner from me - so convenient).
A few weeks later and (drumroll), the piece is ready. I just photographed it in the sunroom of my home. Even my husband said (and absolutely does not say this about that many of my pieces), "this is beautiful!!"
Unfortunately, I cannot keep every great piece I reupholster and this one is for sale - currently on eBay and soon on my website link to website.
Here is the finished product!!!
This blog is linked as follows - Miss Mustard Seed Friday Link Party
lovely piece! She has to be a she, very feminine and lady like! I think I would name her Primula!
ReplyDeleteI love the fabric you used for the settee.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Great information shared on Sheraton style pieces from Henredon. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete