A collection of exquisitely carved music stands will go on display at Temple Newsam House this week to end the Leeds International Piano Competition on a high note. The group of seven beautifully intricate creations have been crafted by members of the Master Carvers’ Association, inspired by the 300th anniversary of the great Otley-born…
Keep ReadingA delicious taste of the elegance, opulence and extravagance of life in Georgian Britain will be served up to museum-goers in Leeds. The rise of London gin shops and traditional Georgian jellies will be among the topics covered during a fascinating talk at Leeds City Museum, currently home to a stunning collection of furniture…
Keep ReadingIn the 18th Century, a furniture maker from Leeds came up with a revolutionary new idea to sell his fabulous designs to potential customers. In a ground-breaking stroke of marketing genius, he produced the first “furniture catalogue”, filled with hand-drawn images of the beautiful pieces he could craft to order. The book was called…
Keep ReadingThomas Chippendale, 1718-1779: a celebration of British craftsmanship and design launches a nationwide programme to mark the tercentenary in 2018 of the birth of Thomas Chippendale senior, celebrating his life as furniture maker, designer and entrepreneur. The exhibition will show key pieces from the Royal Collection, Paxton House, Newby Hall, and Dumfries House displayed…
Keep ReadingA beautifully elaborate example work by a word famous Leeds master craftsman, this beautiful lady’s secretaire will be going on display at Leeds City Museum next month. Made by none other than Thomas Chippendale, the stunning cabinet was created in 1773 and fashioned from specially-imported Chinese lacquer panels. Originally made for the State Bedroom…
Keep ReadingIt could well be the most delicate and exclusive piece of removals work Leeds has ever seen. This week at Temple Newsam House, curators began the daunting task of relocating a number of historic pieces of furniture created by world-renowned mastercraftsman Thomas Chippendale ahead of a new exhibition at Leeds City Museum in February.…
Keep ReadingA true example of master craftsmanship at its very finest, Temple Newsam’s beautiful Harewood writing table has been in Leeds for more than 240 years. Created by none other than world-famous furniture maker and designer Thomas Chippendale, the desk was originally made for architect Robert Adam’s palace at Harewood House in 1771. Intended to…
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