In contrast to Chippendale, no actual piece of furniture has ever been identified as having been made by Hepplewhite’s own hands, although in his later years he too established a furniture factory in London. Similar to Chippendale, he engaged himself in writing and “The Cabinet Maker and Upholsterers Guide” was published two years after his death in 1788.
Key to an understanding of his overall contribution to furniture design is to notice the use of “Upholstery” in his book title. Making a departure from the heavy bulky designs of his predecessors, Hepplewhite chose instead to accent the art of painting and inlays while largely forgoing actual carving in his designs. His chairs, for example, were generally simple and delicate, slender while being well proportioned. His most celebrated chair became known as the shield-back chair.
One should notice the similarity to Chippendale with the claw and foot effect being used also by Hepplewhite. In contrast, Hepplewhite accented the shield of armor while Chippendale used cupids and cupid's arrow.
Like Chippendale and other designers of his time, mahogany was his choice of wood, although he also had a liking for satinwood.
