Is this a Chippendale chair?
NOTE: There is no sound with this video
Was this chair made by Thomas Chippendale?
We know the design was published by Chippendale in 1754
But many different chair makers used his designs
The designs were interpreted freely, even in Chippendale's own workshop
So, was this chair in Chippendale's own workshop?
The carving on the front is crisply cut
But it lacks the liveliness we would expect from Chippendale's carvers
However, other aspects of the construction are of high quality
The uprights have been embellished with grooves
And the curve of the back is well made
Is there any other evidence to help us decide who made the chair?
This chair is part of a set of six
One has a hidden inscription under the pedestal
Under an infra-red light it reads ‘ 6 pedestals for Chippendels Backs’
Although this confirms the design was by Chippendale, it does not confirm the maker
Only a bill could prove that the chair is from Chippendale's workshop
There is no such bill
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