Chippendale furniture acquired for the nation
The furniture will remain on display at Harewood House in West Yorkshire.
A pair of Thomas Chippendale tables and mirrors have been acquired for the nation.
The 18th century objects have been allocated to the Victoria and Albert Museum under a scheme in which owners can offer treasures in lieu of inheritance tax.
While being owned by the V&A, the two tables and mirrors will remain on display, as part of a loan agreement, in the music room at Harewood House in West Yorkshire, where the furniture maker was commissioned to make the objects.
V&A director Tristram Hunt said: “It is exceptionally rare to find Thomas Chippendale furniture as well documented as that at Harewood House – the most lavish commission Chippendale ever received.
“Of superlative quality, the tables and glasses are welcome additions to the V&A’s world-class collection of English furniture.
“We are delighted that they can remain in their original location to be seen and appreciated by visitors to Harewood House for years to come.”
V&A conservators will now restore the surface finish of the objects closer to Chippendale’s original intention.
