Two animated chipmunks & erotic male dancing aside, Chippendale refers to an 18th century English style of furniture that is often most easily identified by its use of the ball & claw foot. Unlike Rococo or Biedermeier, the term Chippendale honors a flesh & blood journeyman cabinet maker named Thomas Chippendale (1718 – 79). In 1754, he became the first cabinet maker to publish a book of his designs, titled The Gentleman & Cabinet-maker’s Director. His book of designs established the fashion for furniture for that period & was copied by furniture makers all over the globe (especially in the soon-to-be United States). Even though very little furniture in existence can be directly attributed to having been made by Chippendale, he is well remembered for being one of the best designers of his era.
Chippendale’s chair designs from The Gentleman & Cabinet-maker’s Director. Note the tapered back, pierced fretwork, & ball & claw feet!
