Chippendale, Thomas (1718-1779), was an English furniture maker and designer. His reputation today is based on his book of furniture designs called The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director (1754). The Director was devoted entirely to designs for household furniture. It popularized a number of styles in London during the mid-1700’s and spread the English rococo style to furniture makers outside London. Much of the furniture produced in America between 1755 and 1790 was modeled on designs in the Director and became known as Chippendale. Chippendale’s furniture company produced a wide range of furniture in the rococo, neoclassical, Gothic, and Chinese styles. He made many pieces for interiors designed by the Scottish architect Robert Adam. Chippendale was born in Otley, near Bradford. He died on Nov. 13, 1779.
