Clothes Chest and Clothes Press, from Chippendale Drawings, Vol. II 1754

Thomas Chippendale made this drawing of a clothes chest and clothes press with pen and gray ink in the 18th century. Chippendale was one of the most famous cabinet-makers in England, but we shouldn't think of him as a lone genius. His designs would have been made in a workshop by many hands, each contributing different skills. The drawing itself would have been a sales tool, used to show wealthy clients what they could commission. These designs reflect the emerging consumer culture of 18th-century Britain. Clothes presses like these were status symbols, demonstrating the owner's wealth and taste. Chippendale's designs blend British, French, and Chinese styles, reflecting Britain's global trade networks and imperial power. Understanding this drawing means looking beyond its simple appearance. Auction catalogs, estate inventories, and pattern books are invaluable resources to understand the culture in which this drawing was made. By doing so, we can see how seemingly simple furniture designs can reveal complex social and economic histories.