George III Dressing Table by Thomas Chippendale

This exceptional kneehole dressing table by the workshops of Thomas Chippendale displays all of the hallmarks of furnishings crafted by the master’s hand. This mahogany table is complete with its original brass handles and bears Chippendale's trademark protective red wash underneath. The table features a neoclassical design with seven lockable drawers and a lockable cabinet door, all resting upon bracket feet. The top frieze drawer contains a felt-lined writing slide that unfolds to provide an extra working surface. Seldom does one come across a piece of furniture such as this that embodies all of the most important design elements of its era that was crafted by the master's hand.

The talent and genius of Thomas Chippendale's designs dominated the furniture styles of the 18th century. He was the first person to boast such a strong following that an entire style bears his name and not that of a monarch. The son of a Yorkshire cabinetmaker, Chippendale quickly excelled in the family business. By the age of 36, he owned a series of workshops throughout England and an expansive timber yard for harvesting the finest woods.

While today Chippendale is celebrated as the greatest cabinetmaker of his era, and perhaps of all time, his business life was far from financially stable. Over anything, he valued perfection in his work, seeking exceptional quality in each and every one of his pieces and spending painstaking hours on even the most minute details. While this slowed his production and resulted in him dying penniless, the outcome was some of the most exquisite pieces of furniture ever constructed.

Chippendale crafted two other dressing tables nearly identical to this one for his most important commission, the famed Paxton House. The incredible attention to detail, impeccable proportions and high-quality materials of these furnishing are evidence of Chippendale’s commitment to pursuing perfection in his work. A masterpiece of clean-lined, functional design, this dressing table reveals Chippendale's supreme skill at its most eloquent. It is no wonder masterpieces such as this rare table are so treasured by collectors.

Circa 1775

Two very similar dressing tables are pictured in The Life & Work of Thomas Chippendale by Christopher Gilbert.

37" wide x 21 1/4" deep x 30 3/4" high