Design Moment: Chippendale dining chair, c.1754

For many Chippendale is the classic dining chair. Thomas Chippendale's (1718-1779) name and fame have lasted down through the centuries largely because in 1754 he published The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director.

It was a pattern book for “household furniture in the Gothic, Chinese and modern taste . . . with proper directions for executing the most difficult pieces, the mouldings being exhibited at large and the dimensions of each design specified”.

Cabinetmakers everywhere – including the US – quickly copied the designs following Chippendale’s very detailed measurements. There were 60 styles of chair, from Rococo – then a particularly popular design style – and Gothic to Chinese- inspired, but the basic shape of the chair is the same.

It has a wide seat – for comfort – and it is low. Many Chippendale chairs, particularly the ones with cabriole front legs and carved “knees” with ball and claw feet appear to squat down.

The open backs are carved and highly decorative, often with intricate scrollwork and interlaced splats. Most of his chairs have upholstered, square or trapezoid-shaped drop-in seats.

When his book was published – it was reprinted several times – the English cabinetmaker became the most famous furniture designer of his day.

He self-published the book, financing its expensive production – it had 160 illustrative plates – through advanced sales to subscribers, with 300 signing up for the first print. Little wonder Chippendale chairs became so popular.

The book also contained detailed instructions about how to make a variety of other pieces including candle holders, picture frames and fire screens.

Chippendale chairs are usually made from mahogany, which is easy to carve and was hugely popular in the 18th century.