Thomas Chippendale was an 18th century English furniture designer and cabinetmaker. He is best known for his furniture designs, which were popular among the wealthy and influential of the time. Chippendale's furniture was known for its graceful lines, intricate carvings, and use of exotic woods including satinwood, and mahogany. His designs were heavily influenced by the rococo / Neo-classical styles, and were often decorated with Chinese motifs. Chippendale's designs are still popular today, and his name is synonymous with quality furniture.

The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director

The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, written by Thomas Chippendale, is an influential book published in 1754. It is a guide for furniture makers, containing designs for furniture and other decorative objects. It is considered to be one of the most influential design books of the 18th century, as it popularised the Rococo and Neoclassical styles of furniture. The book was a major influence on the development of furniture design in England , and its designs were copied and adapted by many origin/british/British and American furniture makers. It is still used as a reference book by many furniture makers today. Among his contemporaries were Robert Adam, John Linnell, Mayhew and Ince.