Encyclopedia of Antiques

Sheraton

Thomas Sheraton was a English designer. However, the manufacture of his furniture designs was assigned to others because he was more designer than cabinet maker. His fields of enterprise were many and included preaching, teaching, and writing. His personality was not the most pleasant, and his writings included criticisms of his fellow cabinetworkers. He was born poor and never did reach a stage of financial prosperity.

 Sheraton designed the finest of cabinets, sideboards, and small tables. Chairs are of sound structure with rectangular backs and turned, tapered legs. Delicacy and refinement are exemplified with sturdiness; straight lines are primary. Tables have veneered aprons with inlay and tapered legs, and they rarely have stretchers. Chests of drawers have straight or slightly bowed fronts. Sideboards are of the best proportion with long, narrow drawers and cellarets. A numbers of his pieces were designed for multiple purposes. For example, the front of the center top drawer of a cabinet can be dropped forward and rest on supports to become a desk surface.

The first roll-top desks, kidney-shaped tables, and twin beds were products of the Sheraton age. Satinwood, rosewood, and painted woods were used for drawing-room pieces, while mahogany was used for furniture of other rooms.

Upholstery materials were silks, damasks, cane, and satin.
 
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