The Georgian period in England was an energetic period in the economic sense.  England had many colonies around the world from which it drew riches and economic prosperity.  In these years, the middle class flourished and people demanded and were able to afford fine furniture and decorative arts from the many outstanding craftsmen of the time; woodworkers, cabinet makers, artists, and architects are just a few of the areas that the Georgian period affected.  From this same era, we also get the superior furniture designers and maker trio of Thomas Chippendale, Thomas Sheraton and George Hepplewhite. 

As antique furniture goes, probably some of the most beautiful, exquisitely designed and certainly one of the most expensive pieces to be had by collectors are those by this trio of fine furniture craftsmen.  Although other antique aficionados might argue, probably the most famous of the trio is Thomas Chippendale; mainly because we have seen enough episodes of Antiques Roadshow to recognize the name; we certainly could not afford to decorate our home with his or his contemporaries’ antiques.  In any case, the name Chippendale is synonymous with quality furnishings that were originally made for aristocratic families and statesmen.  Rococo,Chinese, Gothic and Open Pediment are all things that are incorporated into the designs of Chippendale and readily identify creations designed in his style. 

Because of his success, Chippendale designs were produced all over the world including Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  If like us, you have to admire his creations from afar, then you might be interested to know that his furniture is on exhibit in many museums throughout the country including The Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.