Chippendale (1718 - 1778) was born in Yorkshire but did most of his
work in London during the mid Georgian period.
Other than his distinctive furniture he also published in
1754 an extremely influential book called "Cabinet Maker's
Director" ( a digitised version is available
here ).
In this book he describes his Gothic, Chinese and Modern Taste
furniture, who popularised his work from then on.
The Chippendale Chinese style has been reproduced in this
secretary. An original shows how accurately our miniature
follows Chippendale's design. Pictures of an original can
be seen
here
and
here .
The detail starts with typical claw and ball feet. Inside
there are document compartments of various sizes and drawers
that all open. Behind the drop-down desk working area are
more document compartments and small drawers. The whole is
decorated by hand painted Chinese themes. This fabulous
reproduction, with its matching styled chair, simply oozes
the spirit of Thomas Chippendale.