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Thomas Chippendale – Master Cabinetmaker
Thomas Chippendale, Master Cabinetmaker of the 18th Century Golden Age Makes Headlines Three Hundred Years Later.
Thomas Chippendale (1718-1779) the only recognisable name in furniture, not to be confused with a well-chiselled stripper, or cartoon characters Chip ‘n Dale, was born in Yorkshire to a family of working carpenters and joiners. His birthplace in Wharfedale is still known as ‘Chippendale country’.
His reputation as cabinetmaker to the aristocracy, interior designer and entrepreneur was unmatched in his lifetime. However, 18th century gentlemen were slow to pay their bills, explains James Lomax of the Chippendale Society, he had a poor head for business, and left only £58 in his will.
Dramatic news came from Christie’s in London when their directors announced unprecedented prices for an auction of English furniture. It was Thomas Chippendale, the brand, that brought in the buyers. Four of his pieces realised more than £2M each. The Kenure ‘chinoiserie’ cabinet, made in the 1750s as a showcase for exotic Chinese ceramics, became the most expensive piece of British furniture ever sold at auction, realising £2.7M. The designer himself kept bankruptcy at bay by selling coffins and rolls of imported ‘India’ paper (Chinese handpainted designs) for bedroom walls.
Not much is known about Chippendale’s life. He was apprenticed as estate joiner in a Yorkshire stately home, Nostell Priory, where his qualifying showpiece may well have been the dolls house, each room a delicious little 18th century stage set.
Thomas Chippendale, Master Cabinetmaker of the 18th Century Golden Age Makes Headlines Three Hundred Years Later.
Thomas Chippendale (1718-1779) the only recognisable name in furniture, not to be confused with a well-chiselled stripper, or cartoon characters Chip ‘n Dale, was born in Yorkshire to a family of working carpenters and joiners. His birthplace in Wharfedale is still known as ‘Chippendale country’.
His reputation as cabinetmaker to the aristocracy, interior designer and entrepreneur was unmatched in his lifetime. However, 18th century gentlemen were slow to pay their bills, explains James Lomax of the Chippendale Society, he had a poor head for business, and left only £58 in his will.
Dramatic news came from Christie’s in London when their directors announced unprecedented prices for an auction of English furniture. It was Thomas Chippendale, the brand, that brought in the buyers. Four of his pieces realised more than £2M each. The Kenure ‘chinoiserie’ cabinet, made in the 1750s as a showcase for exotic Chinese ceramics, became the most expensive piece of British furniture ever sold at auction, realising £2.7M. The designer himself kept bankruptcy at bay by selling coffins and rolls of imported ‘India’ paper (Chinese handpainted designs) for bedroom walls.
Not much is known about Chippendale’s life. He was apprenticed as estate joiner in a Yorkshire stately home, Nostell Priory, where his qualifying showpiece may well have been the dolls house, each room a delicious little 18th century stage set.
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