John Mayhew

Background

John Mayhew was born in 1736, the place birth is unknown, the son of a builder.

Education

John Mayhew served as apprentice to William Smith Bradshaw, a prominent upholsterer.

Career

In 1759, Mayhew founded a partnership together with William Ince. The name of the firm appears to have been "Ince and Mayhew", but on the title page of this book the names are reversed, perhaps as an indication that Ince was the more extensive contributor.

In 1762, Mayhew in collaboration with William Ince published a folio volume of ninety-five plates, with letterpress in English and French under the title of "The Universal System of Household Furniture. " The partnership's volume was issued in imitative rivalry with Thomas Chippendale.

Mayhew with William Ince also provided furnishings for Humphry Sturt at Crichel House, Dorset, where James Wyatt was providing designs for the interiors. Their furniture for Warren Hastings at Daylesford House, Worcestershire, amounted to £2187.

In 1802, they provided furniture for Hester Thrale Piozzi at Brynbella.

Mayhew continued alone in business until 1809.

John Mayhew died in 1811.

Achievements

• John Mayhew was a famous designer, who had a certain lightness of accomplishment in his applications of the bizarre Chinese style.

Connections

colleague:

William Ince