George J. Henkels (1819-1883) Was Considered Philadelphia S Premier Cabinetmaker and Perhaps

George J. Henkels (1819-1883) was considered Philadelphia’s premier cabinetmaker and perhaps the largest in production in the third quarter of the 19th century (c.1843-1877)[1]. Known for his rich carvings in the Renaissance Revival and Rococo style, he has been associated with Samuel Sloan through the publication of Sloan’s homestead architecture, containing forty designs for villas, cottages and farm houses, with essays on style, construction, landscape gardening, furniture 1861, J. B. Lippincott & Co.

The volume illustrates several plates devoted to the designs of George J. Henkels which appear the within the furniture section.[2] The discovery of a group of writings of Henkels through Sloan Journals has proven to be significant as very little has been documented prior.[3] It is our hope that in representing a portion of his articles here that it may help to develop an understanding of an important chapter of American interior architecture in Philadelphia.

[1] Ketchum, William C., American Cabinetmakers, Marked American Furniture 1640-1940, pg.160, 1995

[2] Talbot, Page, George J. Henkels: Cabinet Maker and Upholsterer, Antiques May, 1976

[3] The only known similar writings by Henkels have been published in Household Economy, Philadephia, 1867 pp.iii-iv.