Come and See The Chippendales at Paxton House

Paxton House, the Adam designed Palladian house nestling on the banks of the Tweed, is holding three masterclasses on the 6^th, 7^th and 27^th September.  Run by furniture historian David Jones and Paxton’s curator Dr Fiona Salvesen Murrell, the first class on the 6^th September will study Paxton’s collection by Thomas Chippendale the Elder, the second on the 7^th September the work of his son Thomas Chippendale the Younger and on the 27^th September the work of the Edinburgh cabinet maker William Trotter.

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.

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.

The last day on the 27^th September immerses you in the Greek Revival and “Scotch Empire” style collection of rosewood furniture that populates the library and picture gallery extension 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 court residence at Holyrood.

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.

For further details please see: www.paxtonhouse.co.uk/events.  Accommodation is available on a first come first served basis within Paxton’s grounds at the South Lodge and Garden Apartment, see: www.unique-cottages.co.uk or there are pitches in the caravan park in our walled garden – see: www.pitchup.com and search for Paxton.