Thomas Chippendale at Harewood House. A celebration of the life and work of Thomas Chippendale - Master Furniture Maker. Presented by Harewood House Trust.

Music Desk
c.1767
The Chippendale Society

Chippendale supplied three of these desks to Sir Rowland Winn of Nostell Priory, each of which cost Ł2.10.0d plus 1/6d for the candle bearers. This handsome piece, recently bought by the Chippendale Society in memory of Christopher Gilbert, is almost certainly one of those three desks. It was invoiced by Chippendale on 7 March 1767 and he describes it as 'A neat mahogany musick desk on a pillar and Claw'.

Although a relatively plain and functional piece of furniture it is beautifully constructed, with a hinged top fitted on a ratchet support and a spring operated book rest. In his description Chippendale states that the top can 'rise at pleasure' for either sitting or standing.

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