EIGHTEENTH CENTURY FURNITURE
and its Cabinetwoods
"(lOiitloinuii and Cabinet
Maker's D i r e c t o r" by
Thomas Chippendale.
Contrary to the popular misconception, furniture in the 18th
Century was not a one-wood style. Because of much interest
in that subject, and in order to clear up the great amount of
misunderstanding and the partial facts extant not only among
the consumers of furniture, but also in many branches of the
furniture industry itself, the above chart has been prepared.
Its source material included many published books, the exist-
ing 18th Century furniture found in fine museums and col-
lections, and the results of consultations with students, auth-
ors* and writers in this field. The chart presents, therefore,
as clear a picture as can now be had of the more important
cabinetwoods as they actually presented themselves during
that century, regardless of today's practices. In addition to
finding that several woods were used—and not just one—the
records bring out another interesting fact, namely, that much
American walnut was imported, from Virginia and the other
colonies, because of its superior quality. The chart shows
only the more important styles; actually in addition to those
shown the Dutch, Flemish, German and other continental
craftsmen were likewise admirers and users of walnut.
•Of especial help were Walter Rendell Storey of the New York
Times and Xew York University, author of "Period Influences in
Interior Decoration," and Bernard C. Jakway, lecturer and author
of "The Principles of Interior Decoration."'
[ P A G E
While much of the traditional furniture offered consumers
today is inspired by 18th Century pieces, it is usually altered
and redesigned to best meet present needs. Likewise, a
broader choice of cabinet-woods is available to one choosing
furniture today—but for those who would be purists and make
the same choice as did the 18th Century cabinetmakers, the
above chart will serve as a guide.
INCREASED SALES can readily be secured by the Piano
and Radio Industries through a knowledge of styles, "mod-
ern" as well as "traditional." The chartj reproduced above
shows those cabinet-woods commonly used during the 18th
Century; the 19th Century was less important; the 20th Cen-
tury, designs of today and for today's and tomorrow's needs,
are largely being done in American Walnut.
Besides the fact that Walnut is traditionally correct in so
many styles, it is more important to push Walnut because it
outsells any other furniture, piano, or radio cabinet-wood.
^Copies of this chart for salesmen or customers may be had, gratis,
by writing- Burdett Green, 616 S. Michigan, Chicago.
S I X ]
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