Hepplewhite Sideboard
This mahogany sideboard was Tommy’s first foray into Federal style embellishment, and because he was learning as he went along, it was, in his words, a tough piece to build. It is a companion piece to the Federal breakfront and was also inspired by the decorative arts mastery of father and son cabinetmakers, John and Thomas Seymour. Some of the classic Federal style elements gracing the piece include the coopered (or curved) doors, the 350 individually inlaid bellflowers, and creative mix of veneer. The doors are veneered with crotch mahogany and the drawer fronts with beeswing mahogany. Tommy used holly for the stringing and tiger maple for the banding. “I’m really proud of that piece,” said Tommy. “It made the cover of ForbesLife magazine — and that was before we had a TV show.”
After 40 years of designing and building less ornamented American forms, work like this just floors me. Absolutely marvelous.
oh man tommy you know how to make a great wood design and then see it through to the end and make it look great.. i absolutely love the Hepplewhite Sideboard.. and i would love to be able to get one of my own, for my home.. do you happen to know how i could do that?