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Chippendale Furniture

In 1754, the English cabinetmaker and furniture designer Thomas Chippendale published a book of furniture designs called The Gentleman and the Cabinet-Maker's Directory. This was the first time a book dealing entirely with furniture was published in the United Kingdom, and it was very influential.

Chippendale did not introduce any new styles. He took existing styles, especially Rococo, and adapted them to such an extent that his designs were widely copied. His influence became so widespread that the name Chippendale has come to mean almost any English and American Rococo furniture of the mid-1700's. Although much of his furniture has a Rococo flavour to it, he also experimented with Georgian, Queen Anne, Gothic and Chinese influences.

His style is typified by refined and elegant designs, and fine construction and craftsmanship. Although often categorised as a cabinet maker, he is also renowned for and extensive array of Chippendale chair designs. These included geometric, Chinese, lattice, carved and interlaced.

As time went on, and the Chippendale firm grew increasingly successful, it became difficult to distinguish between Chippendale’s own original work and that of the master craftsmen in his workshop. Many of his later designs bear much relation to his earlier works.

Pieces of Chippendale furniture included:-

Chairs and stools
Tables and desks with fretted galleries and cluster-column legs of Gothic influence
Cabinets – often with characteristic latticed wooden fretwork and latticed doors
Mirror frames
Bookcases
Tables
Lighting
Beds
Settees
Fire screens and other miscellany

From the 1760’s Chippendale began working with Robert Adam. Much of their work can still be found at Harewood House and Nostell Priory

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