17th July 2013
Thomas Chippendale was born in a house situated at the junction of Boroughgate and Wesley Street in Otley, Yorkshire. He was born into a family of carpenters and was baptised in the Parish Church on the 5th June 1718.
Following a highly successful start to his career in Yorkshire, Chippendale moved into premises at 60 St Martins Lane, London at the age of 30. In less than 10 years he built the business up, employing over 50 artisans (cabinet makers and upholsterers) and numerous other out-workers. He focussed on, and was successful in, securing large projects and designing schemes to completely refurbish grand houses. In this respect, he was a fore-runner of William Morris.
Chippendale is considered to be one of the finest English furniture makers of all time. Yorkshire has the largest concentration of houses with Chippendale furniture. Many wonderful examples of his work can be seen locally at, amongst others, Temple Newsam, Harewood House, Nostell Priory and Newby Hall.
A statue of Chippendale is situated next to the old grammar school he once attended
Otley Parish Church
Posted in News by Laura