The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director

Various artists/makers

Not on view

This third edition of Chippendale's "Director" is considered the most important 18th century collection of English furniture designs. In 1752, the author issued a first version aimed at cabinet-makers containing one hundred and sixty-one engraved illustrations. Here expanded to two hundred, the work caught the interest of patrons as well as craftsmen. In addition to chairs, tables, bed, bookcases, and cabinets, Chippendale added clock cases, pier glasses (mirrors), girendoles (candle holders), picture frames, stove grates, borders for paper hangings and designs for brass handles and escutcheons to adorn furniture. Ranging from French and Venetian Rococo, to Gothic and Chinese, these designs were used to create coordinated interiors in a range of styles.

The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, Thomas Chippendale (British, baptised Otley, West Yorkshire 1718–1779 London), Illustrations: etching and engraving

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.