Leeds nostalgia: Celebration of 300 years since Thomas Chippendale's birth

Made by none other than Thomas Chippendale, the stunning cabinet was created in 1773 and fashioned from specially-imported Chinese lacquer panels.

Originally made for the State Bedroom at Harewood House, the cabinet is usually found at Temple Newsam House and cost £26 when it was created as part of Chippendale’s 30 year commission at Harewood, for which he was paid £10,000.

The piece was saved for the nation by a number of funders in 1999, after it was the subject of an export ban preventing its sale to a private individual in New York. The secretaire will be among a huge selection of pieces which will go on display at Leeds City Museum from February 9 as part of national celebrations to mark 300 years since Chippendale’s birth.

Other key pieces will include loans Newby Hall, and Dumfries House, which has around 10 per cent of known Chippendale furniture in the world.

The exhibition will also aim to tell the story of the man behind the famous furniture, looking at some of the lesser-known details of his life.

Councillor Brian Selby, Leeds City Council’s lead member for museums and galleries, said: “Chippendale clearly led a fascinating life and it’s a privilege for Leeds to be playing such an important part in telling his story.”

The exhibition runs from February 9, 2018 until June 9, 2018 and is free to attend.