Thomas Chippendale

Happy Birthday Thomas Chippendale!! Well-known for his cabinetry, Thomas Chippendale was born in Otley, England in 1718. His family was in the timber and woodworking trade, so he apprenticed with his father. He published a book of furniture designs entitled The Gentleman and Cabinetmaker’s Directory in 1754, which became quite popular for new designs. Aside from designing furniture, Chippendale also designed interiors, even the wall color. The chair below is a design typical of Chippendale with Gothic splat design.

Splat-the central vertical element in the back of a chair. Chippendale’s chair splats were quite decorative.