S.mahogoni
True mahogany wood comes from the West Indies, Cuba, and Florida, and has been used for fine furniture since the 1500's. It appeared in England in the 1720's in the Queen Anne style. If one were to outfit a home in antebellum mahogany, solid S.mahogoni would be used.
English Mahogany
In 1754 Thomas Chippendale published The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker's Director. It was the first book published in Europe dealing solely with furniture. Since most items were rendered in mahogany, it solidified mahogany's popularity.
20th Century Mahogany
The 1940's saw a resurgence in mahogany in classic styles, but West Indies mahogany was not used in these mass-productions. African mahogany is much less expensive and more readily available. "Fiddleback" and "African Ribbon Stripe" grain patterns of the Khaya mahogany from Africa are now used and primarily as a veneer.
Important Southern Cabinetmakers and Suppliers
John Shaw
Shaw came from England to Annapolis, Maryland in 1763 and was
established on Church Street by 1770. He worked in the Federal and Chippendale styles. He was one of the only southern cabinetmakers to use chestnut for lining drawers.
William Camp
Camp made Federal furniture in Baltimore, Maryland.
Brazilia Deming and Erastus Bulkley
Deming and Bulkley supplied classical furniture on King Street in Charleston from 1818 to 1840.
Important Styles
Queen Anne, 1720-1750
Chippendale, 1750-1780
Federal, 1780-1820
Hepplewhite, 1785-1800
Duncan Phyfe, 1792-1847
Sheraton, 1800-1820
Important Styles
Queen Anne, 1720-1750
Chippendale, 1750-1780
Federal, 1780-1820
Hepplewhite, 1785-1800
Duncan Phyfe, 1792-1847
Sheraton, 1800-1820