the rectangular inverted breakfront top, above blind fretwork lattice panelled frieze with three drawers, raised on pierced square panelled legs, headed by pierced fretwork brackets. The Gentleman and Cabinet-maker’s Director plate, no. LXXIII Published London, 1753. Thomas Chippendale was born in Otley, Yorkshire, 1718 and died in London in 1779. Chippendale was an only child, born into a family of Yorkshire carpenters. Details of his early career are unknown but in 1748, aged 30, he moved to London where he set up as a cabinet-maker, married and had a large family. In 1753 he published The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director, a pattern book that was to secure his position as one of the most eminent cabinet- makers of the 18th century. Chippendale’s workshop was on St Martin’s Lane, the newly fashionable centre of the furniture making trade in London. From there he undertook many large-scale furnishing projects for grand houses throughout Britain. In the 18th century there was an increasing demand for luxury goods. Chippendale’s Director provided for this market with 160 engravings of fashionable furniture designs.