To mark the birthday of renowned furniture designer Thomas Chippendale this June, Nostell, Temple Newsam, and Harewood House Trust will come together to form a collaborative cultural partnership: the Chippendale Triangle.

Thomas Chippendale is the greatest and most famous English furniture maker of the 18th century. In 1767, Chippendale received the largest and most lucrative commission of his career, worth more than £10,000 – to furnish the newly built Harewood House in Yorkshire, located just a few miles from his birthplace in Otley.

Chippendale left no room at Harewood untouched, providing a vast range of furniture and soft furnishings including tables, chairs, sofas, beds, commodes, looking glasses, curtains, pelmets, wallpaper, carpets and covers. He not only provided sumptuous highly crafted pieces of furniture for the grandest rooms of the House but also simple, functional items such as garden benches.

Today, Harewood House is home to some of the most outstanding pieces of Chippendale furniture ever produced.

Free activities this June

To mark the occasion, the Chippendale Triangle is hosting a month-long programme of free activities, offering a deeper look into Chippendale’s legacy and the artistry behind his work.

Harewood House Trust

We’re hosting a full programme of free activities, including expert-led Chippendale talks every Tuesday and Thursday, as well as Chippendale inspired family craft sessions in the Servants’ Hall, Below Stairs.

Temple Newsam

The Tudor-Jacobean house, part of Leeds Museums and Galleries, is offering exclusive experiences including tours with Chippendale Society members, free family trails and 18th-century fancy dress.

Visit Temple Newsam website to find out more

Nostell

The Georgian House, run by the National Trust near Wakefield, will celebrate Chippendale’s birthday with an array of activities in June for all ages including children’s crafts, tours and specialist talks.

Visit Nostell website to find out more