A Mahogany Serpentine Sofa Designed in the Manner of Thomas Chippendale
Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection
We are no stranger to the designs and furniture of Thomas Chippendale (see here, here, and here for proof… or here, here, and here!). This very fine 19th century mahogany double serpentine sofa is designed in the manner of Thomas Chippendale.
A Mahogany Serpentine Sofa Designed in the Manner of Thomas Chippendale
Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection
The sofa features upholstered back, seat, and sides. The mahogany show-frame is finely carved throughout with the fluted tapering front legs terminating in spade feet.
Plate XXIX from Thomas Chippendale’s Director showing designs for sofas
In Thomas Chippendale’s seminal publication The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker’s Director, he published several designs for sofas. Shown above and below are plates XXIX and XXX, which he describes as follows,
Four Designs of Sofas. When made large, they have a Bolster and Pillow at each End, and Cushions at the back, which may be laid down occasionally, and form a Mattrass. The upper Sofa, in Plate XXIX, is designed to have the Back-Corners circular, which must look well. The Sizes differ greatly; but commonly they are from six to nine, or ten feet long; the Depth of the Seat, from Front to Back, from two Feet, three Inches, to three Feet; and the Height of the Seat one Foot, two Inches, with Casters. The Scrolls are eighteen or nineteenth Inches high. Part of the Carving may be left out, if required.
Plate XXX from Thomas Chippendale’s Director showing designs for sofas
The Source 