In 1788 George Hepplewhites's widow Alice had her late husband's furniture designs published by I. an J. Taylor, No. 56 High Holborn, Borough of Camden, London. I think it is doubtful that she or the publisher realized the importance that this publication would find in English Society, but also the far reaching influence this book would have on American craftsmen and the Elite Society in the United States.
Two significant American cabinetmakers were obviously influenced by this publication: Samuel McIntyre of Salem and John Shaw of Annapolis. Heplewhites book represented the latest style in English furniture design and when McIntyre was to make a large set of chairs for the wealthy whaling merchant Elias Haskett Derby, of course he based his design on plate #2 from "The Cabinetmaker and Upholsterer's Guide"
John Shaw built an extremely historically significant piece of furniture for an extremely historic person, notably William Paca, Governor of the state of Maryland and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. His serpentine chest was heavily influenced by plate #76 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paca_House_and_Garden
Both cabinetmakers put their individual touches on George Hepplewhite's original design. McIntyre chose the addition of relief carving to parts of the back and the front legs while Shaw chose the addition of line inlay, diamond escutcheons, tulip wood line and an oval of marquetry in the apron.
I'm sure that there have been many craftsmen (including myself) that were equally influenced by Mr. Hepplewhite's book. I see it as the ultimate compliment to the architect to carefully bring their designs to life.
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