Shagreen

The untanned skins of horses, donkeys, sharks, etc., finished with a granular surface, generally dyed green colour, and sometimes used in the eighteenth century as a covering for small articles of furniture such as knife-boxes, etc.

Shaving Table

In the Chippendale period and later much attention was given by designers and cabinet-makers to dressing and shaving tables. On the latter type much ingenuity was expended. They were often enclosed; the tops were hinged at the sides and opened outwards to form two small tables ; there was a small basin between them and, by touching a spring, a looking-glass rose up behind the basin. Drawers with convenient compartments were also provided. A typical table is described in Hepplewhite's "Guide" as follows: "Rudd's Table or Reflecting Dressing Table. This is the most complete Dressing Table made, possessing every convenience which can be wanted or mechanism and ingenuity supply. It derives its name from a once popular character, for whom it is reported it was first invented."

Thomas Shearer

A notable cabinet-maker contemporary with Hepplewhite and Sheraton. Little is known about him except the fact that he contributed several plates to "The Cabinet Makers' London Book of Prices and Designs of Cabinet Work," issued by the London Society of Cabinet-makers in 1788. The majority of these plates were reissued separately in "Designs for Household Furniture," also in 1788. Shearer is generally credited with the invention of the sideboard in its present form. Previously, the side-table flanked by two independent pedestals and urns of the brothers Adam was the nearest approach to it. Lightness, grace, and delicacy of detail were the outstanding characteristics of his work.

Sheldon's Tapestry

In the time of Queen Elizabeth William Sheldon, a rich landowner, introduced Flemish weavers into England and set up looms at Barcheston, Warwickshire. Much of his work is still in existence See Tapestry.

Shelf

A platform of wood or other material fixed horizontally against a wall or in a cupboard, bookcase, dresser, cabinet, etc., to hold books, china, etc. Hanging shelves of oak were sometimes used as candle boxes. In the Chippendale and later periods hanging shelves were made in very elegant designs, with or without glass doors, carved, inlaid, etc.

Shell

The cockle-shell ornament of Dutch origin was much used on furniture in the Decorated Queen Anne period. In the early Mahogany period it gave way to the Lion design.

Shellac

See Lacquer.

Sheveret

One of the many French models adopted by cabinet-makers in this country during the last quarter of the eighteenth century. It was an elegant drawing-room writing-table with a small shelf for books at the back standing on a portion of the table-top. The other portion was hinged in front and could be turned over to form a writing surface, the front legs and part of the framing being pulled forwards to form its support.