Discovering Original Chippendale Furniture: A Comprehensive Guide

Chippendale furniture is a style that originated in the mid-18th century, specifically between 1750 and 1790.

The style is characterized by its use of intricate carvings, curved lines, and a sense of elegance. Chippendale furniture often features a mix of neoclassical and Rococo influences, which was a hallmark of the era.

Thomas Chippendale's famous book, "The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director", published in 1754, is a valuable resource for identifying original Chippendale furniture. In this book, Chippendale provides detailed descriptions and illustrations of various furniture pieces, including chairs, tables, and cabinets.

Authentic Chippendale furniture typically features high-quality craftsmanship, with attention to detail and a focus on creating beautiful, functional pieces.

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Thomas Chippendale was born in 1718 in the town of Otley, Yorkshire.

He was the only son of John Chippendale and Mary Drake, and his family was involved in the timber trade and carpentry.

Thomas likely trained with his father before possibly working as an apprentice for the furniture-maker Richard Wood in York.

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By 1748, Chippendale was settled in London and married Catherine Redshaw.

In 1754, he moved to St Martin's Lane, where he oversaw a large workshop called the Cabinet and Upholstery Warehouse, which employed around 50 craftsmen.

Chippendale's reputation spread far beyond the shores of his homeland, and his genius is reflected in the number of beautifully designed and executed pieces of furniture that survive in excellent condition nearly 250 years after his death.

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Harewood House holds the distinction of being Thomas Chippendale's largest and most extensive commission, bringing in excess of £10,000.

The house's state rooms feature lavish wall treatments with elaborate giltwood mirrors, as well as simple, functional items like garden benches. Chippendale's commission at Harewood is perhaps the ultimate expression of his Neoclassical period.

A set of four George III green-painted and parcel-gilt open armchairs, supplied to Edwin Lascelles, 1st Baron Harewood, almost certainly for Lady Harewood's Dressing Room at Harewood House, sold for £352,800 at Christie's Online in 2024.

Today, Chippendale's case furniture and seat furniture are the pieces most highly prized at auction, with opportunities to acquire documented pieces being few and far between.

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Harewood House was Thomas Chippendale's largest commission, and it's easy to see why. He worked on the project from 1767 until his death in 1779, and it's estimated that he earned over £10,000 from the commission.

The house was designed and built by John Carr and Robert Adam between 1759 and 1771, and Chippendale was tasked with furnishing the interior spaces. Adam and Chippendale worked together on at least 12 occasions, with Adam often recommending Chippendale to his patrons.

A set of four George III green-painted and parcel-gilt open armchairs, circa 1770-72, is a notable example of Chippendale's work at Harewood House. The armchairs were almost certainly conceived for Lady Harewood's Dressing Room at Harewood, and they feature columnar front legs, a laurel-leaf-decorated seat rail, and scrolling cabriole rear legs.

The entire cost of building nearby Denton Hall, also designed by John Carr, totaled £11,000, including the Chippendale furniture, which ran to more than £500. This gives an idea of the scale and expense of Chippendale's work at Harewood House.

Chippendale's commission at Harewood House is often cited as the ultimate expression of his Neoclassical period. He created not only lavish, complex wall treatments with elaborate giltwood mirrors but also simple, functional items such as garden benches.

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This Chippendale English Mirror With Candlearms is a stunning example of ornate design, typical of mirrors from this style period.

The mirror is made of mahogany and parcel gilt, and is believed to have been crafted between 1740 and 1760.

It features original brass candle arms and has undergone restoration to multiple ear scrolls and carvings over the years.

The piece measures 35 inches tall and 25 3/4 inches wide.

It sold at auction in 2008 for $2,070, within the estimated range of $2,000 to $4,000.

Giltwood and mahogany were prized materials during the Rococo period, used for elaborate carving in Chippendale's pieces.

The use of exotic woods in marquetry pieces became a hallmark of Chippendale's work during the Neoclassical style.

Chippendale's furniture often featured a Western technique called japanning, which imitated East Asian lacquer.

The market for original Chippendale furniture is strong, with pieces by or attributed to him selling for millions of pounds.

A small chest might make in the low thousands, but the grandest pieces have been sold for many millions.

Today, Chippendale's case furniture and seat furniture are the most highly prized at auction, with collectors eager to acquire documented pieces.

Much of his work is still preserved in important institutions and great country houses, making opportunities to acquire documented pieces few and far between.

Collectors can expect strong interest in pieces that surface at auction, making it a competitive market for those looking to buy.

Chippendale's workshop produced the finest pieces of furniture, which were rarely equalled, let alone surpassed.

His name is one of the few in English cabinetmaking to transcend the category, meaning his work is still highly regarded today.

Some Chippendale pieces remain in the houses for which they were originally designed, a testament to their enduring quality.

Carrying on his father's business, Chippendale's son continued to produce exceptional furniture well into the 19th century.

Displaying antiques, including Chippendale pieces, alongside modern or contemporary design can result in a 'rewarding dialogue and richer experience'.

Chippendale-style furniture is known for its characteristic legs, feet, and dark wood, which can be found in many antique pieces. These features appeal to collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The value of Chippendale-style furniture can vary greatly, with some pieces selling for thousands or even millions of dollars. On the other hand, others may sell for under $1,000.

The State Bed in Harewood House, created by Thomas Chippendale Sr in 1773, showcases the craftsmanship and versatility of Chippendale's work. He was commissioned to furnish grand houses and produced everything from tables and chairs to sofas and beds.

Chippendale's workshop produced a wide range of pieces, including modest furniture for all parts of the home, such as a four-post servant's bed for the cook's room at Nostell Priory in 1767, which cost £1 and 10 shillings.

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Chippendale's workshop produced a wide range of furniture pieces, from small tables to four-poster beds.

He was commissioned to furnish some of the greatest houses in England, creating complete room schemes when required. His workshop produced everything from tables and chairs to sofas, bookcases, beds, commodes, carpets, mirrors, and wallpapers.

Chippendale's versatility as a craftsman and entrepreneur meant that he catered to all parts of the home, not just the grander rooms. He produced modest furniture for kitchens and servants' rooms, as seen in the four-post servant's bed he supplied to Nostell Priory in 1767 for £1 and 10 shillings.

Off-the-peg items like his popular hexagonal tea tables were also available for the casual customer, selling at four guineas each.

Here are some examples of Chippendale's pieces, including their dimensions and selling prices:

Chippendale-style furniture is a popular style in the antique market, known for its characteristic legs, feet, and dark wood.

The value of Chippendale-style furniture can be difficult to determine, with pieces selling for thousands or even millions of dollars, while others go for under $1,000.

Chippendale's workshop produced a wide range of furniture pieces, from small tables to four-poster beds, and even off-the-peg items like hexagonal tea tables that sold for four guineas each.

The Chippendale Mahogany Chair is a classic example of this style, with many similar chairs found on the market.

This style of chair was listed for auction in 2008, with an estimated value of $300 to $500, but sold for $143.75, and later sold for $747.50 with a higher estimated value of $1,500 to $2,500.

Oak hanging cupboards are a great addition to any room, and understanding their features can help you choose the right one for your space.

A Chippendale English oak hanging corner cupboard can stand quite tall, measuring 46 5/8 inches in height.

Its width can be a good fit for smaller rooms, measuring 29 inches.

This type of cupboard also has a decent depth, measuring 17 inches.

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A broken arch pediment with brass rosettes is a distinctive feature of this style, adding a touch of elegance to the room.

The cupboard has a double raised panel door, which can provide a sense of depth and visual interest.

Inside, you'll find three scalloped shelves, perfect for storing and displaying decorative items or kitchenware.

The American Dumbwaiter is a unique piece that showcases the craftsmanship of the 1700s. It was made by an American craftsman in the 1700s, specifically for serving food and drinks between floors.

Measuring 50 1/2 inches tall, this dumbwaiter features three tiers supported by a tapered column with intricate turnings. The tripod base has cabriole legs terminating in pad feet, adding to its elegant design.

In 2008, Morphy Auctions sold this piece for $3,450, exceeding its estimated price range of $1,500 to $2,500. This demonstrates the high demand and value placed on authentic, well-preserved pieces of American craftsmanship.

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The New England Maple Desk is a classic piece of furniture that exudes elegance and sophistication. It's a Chippendale style desk made from maple wood, which was crafted in New England around 1770.

This desk features a fall-front lid that reveals a multitude of compartments and small drawers, perfect for storing writing supplies and other essentials. The desk measures 41 3/4 inches tall and 36 3/4 inches wide, making it a spacious and functional piece of furniture.

The Chippendale style is characterized by its intricate carvings and ornate details, which are often found on the legs and aprons of the desk. Unfortunately, this particular desk had some repairs made to the lid and the brasses and hinges were replaced, which affects its originality.

In 2008, this desk was sold at auction for $1,265, which is a relatively low price considering its age and historical significance. It was estimated to be worth between $3,000 to $4,000, indicating that it's a valuable piece of furniture that can appreciate in value over time.

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Chippendale furniture is a style that originated in the mid-18th century and is characterized by its use of curved lines, intricate carvings, and ornate details.

Thomas Chippendale's influential book, "The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director", was first published in 1754 and became a widely used reference guide for furniture makers.

This style of furniture was popularized in the United States during the 18th century and can be found in many historic homes and museums.

The Chippendale style is often associated with the Rococo and Neoclassical styles, and its influence can be seen in many other types of furniture.

Chippendale furniture is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, which made it a status symbol for wealthy households.

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