WhatsApp usSheraton is one of the most influential names in furniture design, his work has become synonymous with the neoclassical period and can be found in mansions and manor houses across the country.
Along with Thomas Chippendale, his catalogue of designs formed the basis of the modern furniture trade. However, Sheraton was not your average cabinet-maker. He has a unique backstory and world view that is worth exploring just as much as his chairs.
Above: an armchair derived from Thomas Sheraton’s Cabinet-maker and Upholsterer’s Drawing-Book, 1800
This article will explore the value and characteristics of Thomas Sheraton furniture, as well as their expert restoration.
Who Was Thomas Sheraton?
Thomas Sheraton was a cabinet-maker and joiner who created several furniture design catalogues in the late 18th and early 19th century. The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer’s Drawing-Book is an important part of British design history, as prior to the likes of Chippendale, furniture makers did not have a sharable encyclopedia of their work for clients to choose from.
Above: pages from Thomas Sheraton’s Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer’s Drawing-Book, 1793-94
Catalogues were published by subscription, allowing the authors to obtain a good income. The enlightenment period in the late 18th century was in part fueled by innovations in the printing press, allowing ideas to spread much more quickly and effectively than ever before. Sheraton’s books allowed craftsmen up and down the country to create the most fashionable pieces of furniture, encouraging a commercial market to spread nationwide and even across to the newly formed United States – where many of his designs are associated with the Federal Period.
Above: an American sofa from plate 35 of Thomas Sheratons 1793 book with an imperial / federal eagle motif, 1800–1810
Innovator, Designer, Preacher
Sheraton himself was a devout baptist, originally from the north of England. He was a cabinet maker in County Durham before heading to London in 1790. Once he was established in Soho, Sheraton focused on designing. With his predecessors Chippendale and Hepplewhite now deceased, his creative draughtsmanship had a ripe audience impatiently waiting for new ideas.
Sheraton saw himself as an inventor rather than a cabinet maker. In fact, he no longer made the furniture himself and only one physical design has ever been linked to his hand – everything else is simply of the period and directed by his publications.
Above: a page from Thomas Sheraton’s drawing book and an American example crafted after his parlour chair design, 1801
Outside of his design business, Thomas Sheraton was a baptist preacher. He had an interest in mysticism and was not afraid of sharing his opinions. As well as his catalogues, Sheraton published religious works, where he detailed his life and work:
“I am a mechanic, and one who never received the advantages of a collegial or academical education…Having possessed a strong attachment and inclination for carving, in my youth, I was necessarily induced to make attempts in this art…”
Above: a selection of furniture designs from Sheraton’s cabinet maker encyclopaedia displaying a strong neoclassical influence
His regency style furniture was popular with interior designers, especially Robert Adam who focused on a refined neoclassical style. If the Adam brothers themselves did not create the furniture for these interiors, the pieces were likely from Sheraton.
Unfortunately, Sheraton died young and penniless despite his moderate success. It was said that he did too much, too quickly and without rest. His religious standing also saw him shy away from grandeur and luxuries, he died in a poor area of London wearing a faded and flea-ridden pastor’s cloak.
Identifying Sheraton Furniture
The first feature to look out for is the neoclassical style. This is essentially an early modern interpretation of ancient designs, with Greek and Roman influences throughout.
Above: the big three names in antique furniture design are Chippendale, Sheraton and Hepplewhite
Thomas Sheraton’s designs may feature the following details and materials:
- Contrasting veneers
- Straight or tapered legs with simple feet
- Fluted and reeded legs
- Urn shapes and motifs
- Neoclassical motifs, especially imperial features like lions and eagles
- Rectangular back chairs with simple tracery motifs
- Lacquerware (Japanning) or painted surfaces
- Secret drawers in writing desks and cabinets
- Single curve or bulge rather than a serpentine front
- Kidney shaped desks and tables
- Satinwood
- Rosewood
- Tulipwood
- Mahogany
- Beech
- Ash
- Birch
It is worth noting that Sheraton designs had a revival during the Edwardian period (early 20th century) and therefore many ‘modern’ copies will be found. The difference between these revival pieces and original regency examples can usually be found in the joints – furniture manufactured post the industrial revolution is likely to have a machine finish and much thinner veneers.
Above: copies of “Sheraton furniture” from the revival period in 1905
American designs are more likely to use local timber like walnut, ample cedar or cherry. As different craftsmen worked on these designs, there will not be one uniform material for all pieces. The significance is in the age and cultural influence, rather than the hand that crafted it.
Sheraton Furniture Repair
Our furniture restoration studio offers the traditional repair of antique furniture from all eras, including chairs, dining tables, cabinets and all manner of furniture with a traditional Sheraton design – whether it is 18th century or Edwardian revival.
When we approach the restoration of decorative features and surfaces, our team aims to ensure preservation and ongoing use. Broken or unstable areas can be restored by carefully taking the furniture apart and reconstructing it with structural integrity.
Above: our specialist team restoring losses to antique furniture by carving new details by hand and refinishing the surface
If new parts are required, our team will always consider the original material. Any new additions will be matched in terms of grain and colour, with gentle retouching applied if needed. Because our team is diverse in specialisms, the restorers and conservators work together to achieve a sensitive and visually accurate result.
Accidental spills and cup marks are a typical issue for wooden surfaces. Whilst some staining and loss of uniform colour may be part of the historic nature of the item, we can focus on reducing visual issues as much as is safe and possible. The surfaces can be re-stained with historically appropriate shades, as well as finished with french polish, wax or lacquer.
How can we help?
If you have any questions about our antique furniture restoration services, please do not hesitate to get in touch. As part of our service we offer a nationwide collection and delivery service as well as information on worldwide shipping to our studio. E-mail us via [email protected] or call 0207 112 7576 for more information.
