Collecting guide: Thomas Chippendale Sr

Thomas Williams, international head of English Furniture & Clocks at Christie’s in London, explains why the legendary figure is widely considered to be ‘the Shakespeare of English furniture-makers’

The Diana and Minerva commode, 1773, was designed by Thomas Chippendale Sr for the State Bedroom at Harewood House in Yorkshire. The house was Chippendale's largest and most extensive commission, and the commode is regarded as one of his greatest works

The Diana and Minerva commode, 1773, was designed by Thomas Chippendale Sr for the State Bedroom at Harewood House in Yorkshire. The house was Chippendale’s largest and most extensive commission, and the commode is regarded as one of his greatest works. Photo: Paul Barker. © Harewood House Trust

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