Carved with Love: The Genius of British Woodwork

A new BBC series launches tonight (Thursday 10th Jan 9pm, repeated Sunday 13th Jan 7pm and available on iPlayer) looking at the British genius for woodwork over the centuries.

The first programme will showcase the work of Thomas Chippendale, largely filmed here at Harewood House, which was Chippendale's biggest commission ever. Harewood is just down the road from his home-town of Otley, where he is still commemorated with a blue plaque and a statue of the man himself to this day.

Harewood's interiors are furnished throughout with Chippendale furniture, made especially for Harewood House, including the wonderful State Bed. You can read more on our House webpages, including details of the restoration work carried out with the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Chippendale famously demonstrated poor financial skills though he was arguably the most succesful cabinet-maker of his time, and through his own shortcomings, ended his life in a relatively impoverished state considering his talent.

This BBC4 programme is a celebration of his work and was 'Pick of the Week' in last Saturday's Daily Mail...so tune in to BBC4 tonight at 9pm.

The series is part of Handmade in Britain, an ambitious year-long season exploring the history of British decorative arts in conjuction with the V&A. 

Click here to watch the programme on iPlayer. Read more about Harewood's outstanding Chippendale collection on our House webpages...

You can view our Opening Times here...The House re-opens on 29th March and the State Rooms are open daily 12pm - 4pm until 3rd Nov.