Ince & Mayhew, the celebrated partnership of William Ince (1737–1804) and John Mayhew (1736–1811), occupy a distinguished place in the history of 18th-century English furniture. Working in London from the 1750s through the early 1800s, the duo produced some of the most refined and innovative designs of the Georgian era, blending Neoclassical elegance with Rococo exuberance. Their work is admired today for its exquisite craftsmanship, inventive use of ornament, and enduring sophistication.
Innovation and Design
Ince & Mayhew were at the forefront of stylistic change in the late 18th century. They drew inspiration from continental trends — particularly the French taste for delicate ornament and classical motifs — while maintaining a distinctly English refinement. Their celebrated publication, The Universal System of Household Furniture (1762), rivalled Chippendale’s Director and positioned them as serious innovators in design.
Their furniture is characterised by:
-
Exceptional marquetry and inlay, often using exotic woods such as satinwood and tulipwood.
-
Refined Neoclassical motifs including urns, festoons, and classical medallions.
-
Graceful proportions, balancing functionality with elegance.
-
Technical mastery in cabinetry, veneering, and carving.
Patrons and Commissions
Ince & Mayhew attracted prestigious clients, including members of the aristocracy and landed gentry. Their documented commissions include pieces for Croome Court in Worcestershire (for the 6th Earl of Coventry) and works supplied to other great English houses. These commissions confirm their place alongside the finest names in English furniture-making.
Legacy and Collecting Today
Furniture by Ince & Mayhew is highly prized by collectors, museums, and connoisseurs of English decorative arts. Their mastery of marquetry places them at the pinnacle of Georgian cabinet-making, with surviving works housed in major institutions and esteemed private collections worldwide.
At Nicholas Wells Antiques, we are proud to offer pieces in the manner of Ince & Mayhew, representing the very best of 18th-century English craftsmanship. Each item reflects not only the beauty of its time but also the timeless appeal of design at its most elegant.
