Drawing for four stove grates

This is the original drawing for plate CXCI of the 1762 Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director. In his comments Chippendale recommended that the ornamental parts should be of wrought brass and be removable so they could be easily cleaned. It suggests he was aware of the pleasing visual effects of moving firelight on polished brass or gilded surfaces – the basis of the whole genre of gilt (or silvered) fire furniture. This group of designs shows Chippendale's imagination combining elements of the anti-classical styles: Gothic, Chinese and Modern. Yet even here, for the two bottom designs, he inserts classical features to support the basic structure: the Doric columns on the left and the pair of obelisks on the right. Both this and LEEAG.CHIPSOC.1992.1a were discovered in 1962 in a copy of the 1754 Director inscribed ‘Aaron Penley 1822', together with another two of chair designs (now at Winterthur).

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