Chippendale

English Period Furniture

Mid Georgian

Chippendale (Mahogany 1745-1780)

This is a term used to describe furniture designed by Thomas Chippendale.

In 1754 he became known worldwide with his book publication “the Gentlemans’ and Cabinetmakers’ Director”.

The book was an advertising journal put out by a tradesman aimed at potential customers. Chippendale was a functional designer and never sacrificed strength for appearance.

Breakfront bookcase, Barred doors, broken swans neck pediments

Chippendale Rococco Chair

• Country Chippendale – rural craftsman has access to pattern books.
• Dining tables followed the chairs either cabriole legs or straight.
• French legs.
• Chippendale Chinese and Gothic Chairs.
• Master carver – acanthus leaf, claw and ball. Carving is the only form of decoration.
• Influenced by French Chinese and Gothic.
• Pierced urn shaped splat.

Chippendale Rococo Chair c. 1750

• Cupids bow top rails.
• Fretwork, ladder back and ribbon back chairs.
• Piecrust edge tables, tilt top, birdcage gallery, tripod base.
• Claw and ball foot with Icanthus leaf carving on the knee.
• Arm supports set back to accommodate hoped skirts.
• Chests of drawers with bracket feet.
• Breakfront bookcase, barred doors, broken swans neck pediments.
• Bedstead with Cabriole legs carved.
• Bureau bookcase square and straight legs returned in 1760 and stretchers returned.

Pie crust table edge