First furniture catalogue

In 1754 the furniture maker Thomas Chippendale (UK) published The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director, a pattern book of furniture designs that was the first of its kind. Published by subscription, the Director proved so successful that it was re-printed the following year. Furniture designs had been published before 1754 but Chippendale's Director was the first large-scale publication of its kind and it proved hugely influential. In addition to attracting commissions for his own company, the designs in The Director were copied and adapted throughout Europe and America with the result that the term 'Chippendale' became a catch-all description of furniture similar to the designs shown in his publication.