Thomas Chippendale

NAME Thomas Chippendale

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Thomas Chippendale was a renowned English furniture designer and maker of the 18th century. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of English furniture design, and his name is synonymous with the elegant and sophisticated style that he helped to popularize.

BIRTH Thomas Chippendale was born on June 5, 1718, in Otley, West Riding of Yorkshire, England.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Chippendale was the only child of John Chippendale, a joiner, and Mary Drake. The Chippendale family had a long history in woodworking, and it is believed that Thomas learned the fundamentals of the craft from his father.

CHILDHOOD Growing up in a family of artisans, Chippendale was likely immersed in the world of carpentry and joinery from an early age, assisting in the family workshop and gaining hands-on experience in woodcraft.

EDUCATION Chippendale's formal education is not well documented, but he most likely received informal training in woodworking from his father. His later success suggests he was highly skilled in design and craftsmanship, further enhanced by self-study and practical experience.

CAREER RECORD  Chippendale began his career as a joiner and cabinetmaker, working for other craftsmen in the Otley area. 

In 1749, he moved to London. Chippendale's career took off when he opened his workshop in St Martin's Lane, London, in 1754, in partnership with wealthy Scottish merchant James Rannie. 

Also in 1754, he published his influential book, The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, which showcased his designs and helped to popularize his style. 

Chippendale's furniture was highly sought after by the wealthy and fashionable, and he became a prominent figure in London's social and artistic circles.

APPEARANCE While no detailed descriptions exist of Chippendale’s appearance, portraits from his era depict him as a typical gentleman of the 18th century, dressed in formal attire.

Thomas Chippendale

FASHION Chippendale would have followed the prevailing fashion trends of his time, which were characterized by elegance and sophistication. He would have worn clothing made from fine fabrics, such as silk and velvet.

CHARACTER  Chippendale is described as having been a hardworking, ambitious, and talented individual. He was known for his attention to detail and his commitment to quality craftsmanship.

Chippendale was also a shrewd self-promoter, using his catalog to establish his name among the English elite. However, his poor financial management suggests he lacked the acumen necessary for long-term success in business.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Chippendale's designs reflect a playful elegance that may hint at a creative and lively personality.

RELATIONSHIPS Chippendale married Catherine Redshaw on May 19, 1748 at St George's Chapel, Mayfair in London. Catherine bore Thomas Chippendale nine children in total - five sons and four daughters.

After her death in 1772, he married Elizabeth Davis in 1777, but she passed away two years later. His relationships were marked by personal tragedy, though his children played a significant role in his life and career, with his son Thomas Chippendale (Junior) taking over the family business.

MONEY AND FAME It seems that marrying Catherine did not significantly improve Chippendale's financial circumstances, as one source notes he "missed the chance to improve his circumstances through a judicious marriage."

Chippendale was a successful businessman and achieved considerable wealth and fame during his lifetime. His furniture was highly sought after by the wealthy and fashionable, and his name became synonymous with quality and style.

Despite his fame and the high regard for his work, Chippendale's poor financial management led to the downfall of his business. After his death, his son was evicted for bankruptcy. Though celebrated in his lifetime, Chippendale died impoverished.

FOOD AND DRINK Chippendale's diet would have been typical for a man of his social class and time. He would have eaten a variety of foods, including meat, fish, vegetables, and fruits. He would have also consumed alcoholic beverages, such as beer and wine.

MUSIC AND ARTS Chippendale’s close association with Robert Adam and his focus on the aesthetics of furniture suggest he had an appreciation for the arts, especially in architecture and design. His work often complemented the grand interiors of stately homes, integrating art with functionality.

LITERATURE Chippendale’s publication of The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director is a testament to his engagement with literature, as he recognized the importance of documenting and sharing his designs in written form.

"Two Bookcases", from the Director, 1754

NATURE Chippendale's work as a furniture maker involved the use of natural materials, such as wood. His use of natural forms in the Rococo style, such as floral and foliage motifs, suggests he drew inspiration from the natural world.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Chippendale's hobbies and sports are not well-documented. However, like many men of his time, he may have enjoyed hunting, fishing, or riding.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Chippendale's furniture designs, particularly the symmetry and precision in his Neoclassical pieces, reflect an understanding of geometry and mathematical principles, essential in creating balanced and functional pieces.

DESIGN Thomas Chippendale’s designs were revolutionary, blending Rococo, Gothic, and Neoclassical styles. His use of mahogany exclusively in his furniture added durability and elegance to his pieces. 

Chippendale became known for his collaboration with the famous architect Robert Adam, producing furniture that blended seamlessly with Adam’s Neoclassical interiors. 

So, there was this bloke named Thomas Chippendale, a furniture-maker chap from London. He was a bit of a trendsetter, you could say, coming up with designs in the mid-Georgian, English Rococo, and Neoclassical styles. It was like he had a time machine or something, hopping from one style to another without breaking a sweat.

In 1754, Chippendale pulled a real doozy. He put together a book called The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker’s Director. Think of it as the Instagram of its day, full of fancy furniture designs. It was a game-changer, really. People went nuts for it, and suddenly everyone wanted Chippendale-style furniture. It was like the iPhone of its time, but for furniture.

According to the Victoria and Albert Museum—you know, that place with all the fancy stuff—Chippendale's designs were so influential that people just started calling any similar furniture "Chippendale." It was like saying "Kleenex" instead of tissue. His stuff was that popular.

So, next time you see a piece of furniture that looks really classy and elegant, chances are it's inspired by Thomas Chippendale. He was a bit of a genius, that's for sure.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY While Chippendale’s philosophical or theological views are not recorded, his work demonstrates a commitment to order, balance, and harmony, reflecting the ideals of the Enlightenment.

SCANDAL Chippendale’s life was relatively scandal-free, though his financial difficulties might have raised eyebrows among contemporaries.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Chippendale’s health declined later in life, and he eventually succumbed to tuberculosis, dying in 1779.

HOMES Thomas Chippendale spent his first three decades in Otley, West Riding of Yorkshire 

Christmas 1749: Moved to a modest house in Conduit Court, London, a small enclave off Long Acre on the fringes of a fashionable furniture making district.

Midsummer 1752: Moved to more respectable premises in Somerset Court, adjoining the Earl of Northumberland's palatial residence.

1754: Moved to spacious new premises at 59-61 St Martin's Lane, in the heart of London's furniture-making district. This location served as both his workshop and home for his growing family.

In 1776, at the age of 58, Chippendale moved to Kensington and lived in a terraced house there. This likely marked his partial retirement from business.

In 1779, during his last illness, Chippendale moved to Hoxton. His son paid for his lodgings in Hoxton, as well as for the physicians who attended him there.

TRAVEL Chippendale’s career was largely centered in London, and there are no records of extensive travel.

DEATH Thomas Chippendale died on November 16, 1779, of tuberculosis aged 61. He was buried at St Martin-in-the-Fields, and the cemetery was later built upon by the National Gallery. His death marked the end of a significant chapter in 18th-century design history.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Chippendale’s legacy lives on in various media, including Walt Disney’s animated chipmunks, Chip 'n' Dale, who were named after him. His name has also become synonymous with high-quality furniture in popular culture.

In 2017, a set of film canisters were found in the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) stores. These canisters contained 1920s silent "biopics" of furniture designers Thomas Chippendale and fellow furniture designer Thomas Sheraton. The Chippendale film is described as "particularly ambitious," charting his rise to prominence and major commissions.

ACHIEVEMENTS Chippendale’s most significant achievement was his 1754 publication, The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director, which cemented his reputation as a leading designer. His furniture became a symbol of elegance and taste in the 18th century, and his legacy endures today in the Chippendale style.