The Cabinet and Chair-Maker's Real Friend and Companion, or, the Whole System of Chair-Making Made plain and easy

1765
Not on view
This modest book of designs demonstrates the kind of chairs middle-class English families might have bought and used in the 18th century. Its etched and engraved illustrations offer a sturdier and less costly alternative to the elaborate Rococo and Chinoiserie concoctions found in Chippendale's Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Cabinet and Chair-Maker's Real Friend and Companion, or, the Whole System of Chair-Making Made plain and easy
  • Designer: Robert Manwaring (British, active 1760–ca. 1770)
  • Engraver: Robert Pranker (British, active 1755–76)
  • Engraver: J. Noual (British, active 1760s)
  • Publisher: Henry Webley (British, active London 1760s)
  • Publisher: A. Webley (British, active London, 1760s)
  • Published in: London
  • Date: 1765
  • Medium: Illustrations: engraving, etching
  • Dimensions: Book: 9 1/4 × 5 15/16 × 13/16 in. (23.5 × 15.1 × 2 cm)
    Sheet: 5 1/2 x 9 1/16 in. (14 x 23 cm)
  • Classifications: Books, Ornament & Architecture
  • Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1932
  • Object Number: 32.9.6
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.