Thomas Chippendale, 1718-1779: A Celebration of Craftsmanship and Design

This exhibition celebrates the life and work of Thomas Chippendale (1718-1779), Britain’s most famous furniture maker. The most comprehensive exhibition of Thomas Chippendale’s work ever presented, it will include furniture, accessories, drawings, documents and other material from collections throughout the United Kingdom. Alongside well-known masterpieces from public collections there will be rarely-seen furniture from private houses and some new discoveries, never before exhibited.

The exhibition explores Thomas Chippendale’s life and work in five major themes: his family origins, training, career and the publication of the ground-breaking Director; his furniture in the Rococo, Gothic, Chinese and neo-Classical styles; the management of his commissions, including relations with clients; his workshops, including manufacturing and decorative techniques; and his legacy from the 18th century to the present day.

To accompany the exhibition two publications have been produced: a lavishly illustrated catalogue and 58 page exhbtion booklet. The catlogue can be purchased online.

The exhibiton has now closed. The items displayed for the exhibition have returned to their homes, where many can be enjoyed by the public this summer. Please see the events listings to see where you can enjoy the work of Chippendale during the rest of 2018.