His life

Thomas Chippendale was born in 1718 in Otley, Yorkshire, England. He moved to London in 1740 to promote his business and had several partners throughout his career. The Earl of Burlington was one of the first influential people to buy Chippendale furniture. Chippendale was married twice and had 9 children with his first wife and 2 children with his second wife. When he retired in 1776, his eldest son took over the business.

Furniture

Thomas Chippendale was a carpenter’s apprentice to a cabinetmaker before setting up his own business in London.

In 1754 he published a book illustrating 160 designs for his shop, entitled The Director of Knight and Cabinetmaker.

The book was so popular that it produced two subsequent editions, each illustrating new designs. Designs show Georgian, Queen Anne, French and Chinese influences in Chippendale. Chippendale’s books influenced other furniture makers of the time. Chippendale preferred to accept large-scale commissions from aristocratic clients who selected their furniture designs from their director books. With such clients he acted as a modern interior designer, selecting furniture and accessories for the whole house.

The years between 1750 and 1785 are known as the Chippendale period.

Because Chippendale did not sign or use a manufacturer’s mark, it is difficult to attribute parts to him with certainty. The only recognized method of establishing authenticity is to find one of your original invoices, usually preserved among probate documents, or equivalent documentation. However, a part can be accurately attributed to the Chippendale workshop, it is almost impossible to attribute the production of the part to Chippendale himself.

As his business prospered, furniture production was completed with the artisans employed by Chippendale in his place. When examining a piece attributed to the Chippendale workshop, it is important to note the technique used for the joints. Handmade joints will be slightly uneven and may show evidence of hand tool marks. Also, look for evidence of hand planing, hand sawing, hand nails, and shrinkage in the wood.

New Chippendale Period Designs

Chippendale produced new furniture designs, including the pie crust table and the chest-over-chest highboys. It also featured the camel-backed sofa complete with upholstery in brocade, velvet, and damask textiles.

Their furniture was generally made of mahogany, imported from the West Indies. Solid wood was used, rather than veneer, to allow for the elaborate carving typical of the Chippendale style.

Identification of the characteristics of the Chippendale style

Furniture of the period has the following characteristics:

1. Large Decorative Brass Drawer Pulls
2. Curved furniture legs
3. Ball and claw foot
4. Square straight legs
5. Absence of stretchers between the legs of the chair.
6. Chairs measure between 3 feet 1 inch and 3 feet 2 1/2 inches from the floor to the top of the chair back.
7. Carved ornamentation

American chippendale

Furniture produced by American artisans during the Chippendale period is renowned for the use of large, ornate pieces of mahogany, which were then heavily polished.

Reproductions

Anyone who appreciates and wishes to decorate in the Chippendale style may not be able to purchase an original piece. Reproductions were being made when Chippendale produced furniture and modern reproductions with modern techniques continue today.

The reproductions are detected by the lack of depth and quality of the ornamental carvings. The wood from which modern pieces are built, even if it is made from mahogany, will be less dense than the older mahogany used in the 18th century.

Lastly, if the price seems exceptionally reasonable for an authentic Chippendale, it is likely a reproduction. A reputable antiques dealer will provide a note of authenticity, appraisal, and money-back guarantee for an unsatisfied purchase.

Chippendale Society

The Society was founded in 1965 in the hometown of Thomas Chippendale.

The Society’s mission is:

• promote public education and promote the appreciation and study of the work of Thomas Chippendale senior and junior
• Acquire, preserve and maintain examples of your work for the benefit of the nation.