Insight | Thomas Sheraton
April 12th 2022
Welcome all to the last of the English furniture makers mini-series, Thomas Sheraton (1751-1806). A somewhat unusual cabinet maker of his time described by many as an eccentric religious preacher who was a master of design and applied art. One of the leading exponents of Neoclassicism. Sheraton gave his name to a style of furniture characterised by a feminine refinement of late Georgian styles and became the leading inspiration behind the furniture of the late 18th century.
Sheraton’s early life was not as clear as that of previous cabinet makers in the series. He came from a far less educated background, and even his birthplace is somewhat mysterious. He self-proclaimed to be born in Stockton-on-Tees. However, later historian research suggests that his original birthplace may possibly have been Middleton St. George. He was born in humble circumstances to heavily religious parents and somehow managed to pick up a fair but unbalanced education. He never received adequate training for his lifelong profession and taught himself geometry and how to draw. It is thought that he was the apprentice of a local cabinet maker in his early days and often referred to himself as a mechanic, not a cabinet maker. Sheraton’s career was slow, but he became better known as an inventor, artist, mystic, and religious controversialist.
In 1790, just a poor journeyman, cabinet maker and Baptist preacher, he moved to London at the age of 39. Sheraton initially started as a teacher and consultant, teaching perspective, architecture, and cabinet design, and in 1791, Sheraton published ‘The Cabinet Maker’s and Upholsterer’s Drawing Book’ in over four volumes. At least six hundred cabinet makers and joiners subscribed to his book, which was widely influential across much of the country. Supporting himself as an author, Sheraton publication featured notes on the plates with much more detail and technical knowledge than any other comparable publication at the time.
Between 1791 and 1793 Sheraton opened a shop where he is believed to have sold some furniture in very small quantities and fulfilled an order to the Adam brothers. Bizarrely, it is thought that Sheraton never actually got around to making the majority of his designs due to a lack of business knowledge. Sheraton had very small output and lacked commercial success but was armed with extensive furniture designs and drawings. To this day, the furniture that is directly attributed to Sheraton is believed to be from his designs but not made by Sheraton himself. Often, pieces are catalogued as ‘After a Design by Thomas Sheraton’ or ‘In the manner of Thomas Sheraton’ and crafted by the leading cabinet makers of the time. Later, in 1793, Sheraton practically gave up on his cabinet-making business and focused on designing and publishing books.
Towards the end of his life, Sheraton passed away in London a poor, overworked, and disappointed man due to his lack of cabinet-making success compared to less competent rivals who went on to become commercial powerhouses, often using his designs. With the passing of one of the greatest masters, the glory of the Georgian era also passed.
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