Hepplewhite Shield-Back Carver Armchair with Gilt Bronze Crest & Toile Jacquard

Design & Inspiration

There is a moment when a dining chair stops being furniture and becomes a statement of intent — this is that chair. The shield-shaped back, tapered and contoured with the authority of late 18th-century English cabinetmaking, frames a toile jacquard panel in warm stone and sepia tones, depicting pastoral landscape scenes in the manner of fine European printed textiles. At its crest sits a hand-applied gilt bronze floral mount — a basket of fruit and flowers cast in sharp relief — that marks the top of the chair like a heraldic device. It is a carver's chair in every sense: built for the head of the table, proportioned for presence, and detailed for those who notice what others overlook.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The frame is crafted from solid mahogany with a French-polished finish that deepens to a rich, warm tone under candlelight. The four turned and tapered legs carry the visual vocabulary of Hepplewhite's 1788 Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Guide — each leg fluted along its upper column and tapering cleanly to a pad foot. The seat is over-upholstered in a champagne-toned velvet, finished with antique-gold nailhead trim that defines the seat perimeter with quiet precision. The back panel is independently upholstered in a Jacquard-woven fabric combining acanthus scrollwork with toile de Jouy landscape vignettes. The gilt bronze crest mount at the top of the shield is cast and hand-finished, not a pressed or stamped ornament.

Dimensions & Details

Width: 75 cm / Depth: 60 cm / Height: 113 cm
This carver armchair is designed for head-of-table placement in a formal dining room. The seat height and arm proportions allow comfortable seating for extended dinners, and the chair pairs naturally with matching Hepplewhite-style side chairs to complete a full dining ensemble.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every chair bearing the Brass & Wood name is handcrafted in Egypt by artisans trained in the classical European furniture tradition. The joinery, upholstery, and gilded metalwork are completed by hand, producing a piece that rewards close inspection. The French polish is applied in multiple coats, hand-rubbed between each layer to achieve the characteristic depth and clarity of 18th-century English cabinet finishes. Customization of fabric, finish, and gilt color is available on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this chair made from?

The frame is solid mahogany with a French-polished finish. Upholstery combines a jacquard-woven toile fabric on the back and champagne velvet on the seat, with antique-gold nailhead trim. The crest mount is hand-cast gilt bronze.

Is assembly required?

Minimal assembly only — typically the arms may be secured on arrival, but no specialist tools or expertise are needed.

Can the fabric or finish be customized?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers fabric, finish, and metal hardware customization. Contact our team to discuss options for your dining room project.