A Chip Off the Old Block

In 2000, Joseph faithfully produced an intricately carved Rococo chair, designed by Thomas Chippendale 250 years ago. The chair, design number 23R in Chippendale's 18th century book 'The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker's Director,' was never made, even though it was said to be one of Chippendale's favourites, because of the amount of detail in the design and becaime affectionately known as 'The Impossible Chair.' Now, in 2005, Joseph has a pair of chairs.

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Joseph has always had a keen interest in furniture, ever since his father brought home a beautiful piece of carved Victorian furniture in 1947. His mother encouraged his interest and bought him a copy of The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker's Director. Joseph told us: "When I first looked at the book it fell open at design number 23R, and I remember imagining being able to make it." At age 15 Joseph started an apprenticeship at Taylor and Hobson Ltd in Huddersfield -