NOTE: There is no sound with this video

Was this chair made by Thomas Chippendale?

We know the design was published by Chippendale in 1754

But many different chair makers used his designs

The designs were interpreted freely, even in Chippendale's own workshop

So, was this chair in Chippendale's own workshop?

The carving on the front is crisply cut

But it lacks the liveliness we would expect from Chippendale's carvers

However, other aspects of the construction are of high quality

The uprights have been embellished with grooves

And the curve of the back is well made

Is there any other evidence to help us decide who made the chair?

This chair is part of a set of six

One has a hidden inscription under the pedestal

Under an infra-red light it reads ‘ 6 pedestals for Chippendels Backs’

Although this confirms the design was by Chippendale, it does not confirm the maker

Only a bill could prove that the chair is from Chippendale's workshop

There is no such bill