Come & See ‘The Chippendales’!
If you like a finely turned leg of the furniture variety and are interested in the history of 18th century cabinet making, sign up to our masterclasses on Chippendale and Trotter.
This September, we are holding three very special masterclasses to give an in-depth insight into the skills and techniques of three of Britain’s most important cabinet makers. Run by furniture historian David Jones and Paxton’s curator Dr Fiona Salvesen Murrell, the first class on the 6th September will study Paxton’s collection of furniture made by Thomas Chippendale the Elder, the second on the 7th September the work of his son Thomas Chippendale the Younger and on the 27th September the work of the Edinburgh cabinet maker William Trotter.
Paxton Style
Situated right on the border between England and Scotland, Paxton House provides the perfect place to study the finest furniture makers of the two nations. It has one of the largest collections of furniture by Thomas Chippendale the Elder anywhere in the UK. The repertoire of over one hundred items executed in a uniquely restrained manner for the owner Ninian Home, established what has become known as the “Paxton Style”. The study day will allow you to look in detail at the unique collection at Paxton House and become immersed in Chippendale’s design and craftsmanship.
French inspired Neo-classicism
The second study day will concentrate on an analysis of the suites of furniture provided by Thomas Chippendale the Younger for both Paxton and the Home’s town house in London. Chippendale junior collaborated with his father and the firm’s business partners to create a large number of pieces that represent an intriguing transition between the generations, before launching his own particular brand of French inspired neo-classicism at Paxton. The beautiful drawing room in particular, is a wonderful showcase for his elegant and sophisticated style.
Scotch Empire
The last day on the 27th September immerses you in the Greek Revival and “Scotch Empire” style collection of rosewood furniture that populates the Library and Picture Gallery, built between 1812 – 13. The outstanding Scottish cabinet maker William Trotter developed a style informed by Greek and Roman detail and enhanced by French ideas that were inspired by the presence of the Comte d’Artois’ royal court in exile at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The masterclasses will run from 10am – 4pm and will cost £95 per day per person, including lunch and all refreshments. A discounted rate of £270 applies if you book all three days in advance.
Click here for full details and booking. Accommodation is available on a first come first served basis within Paxton’s grounds at the South Lodge and Garden Apartment. or book a pitch in the Walled Garden Caravan Park.
Masterclass tutors:
David Jones has published extensively on various aspects of vernacular and regional furniture. He advises on several important collections of historic furniture, including Hopetoun House, Paxton House and Dumfries House. He retired from teaching Furniture History at the University of St Andrews in 2011 and has subsequently taught at other universities, including the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC.
Dr Fiona Salvesen Murrell began her curatorial career in the National Museums of Scotland . She has published on British art and artists and curated many exhibitions. She secured Recognition status from Museums Galleries Scotland on behalf of the Scottish government for Paxton’s Chippendale and Trotter furniture. Her recent exhibitions at Paxton have focussed on the collection’s transatlantic slave trade connections. Her Parallel Lives – Worlds Apart project was short-listed for the prestigious Museums Change Lives – Reimagining the Museum Award in 2022.