THOMAS CHIPPENDALE THE GENTLEMAN AND CABINET-MAKER'S DIRECTOR: BEING A LARGE COLLECTION OF THE MOST ELEGANT AND USEFUL DESIGNS OF HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, IN THEM MOST FASHIONABLE TASTE.

probably the 1754 edition. Inscribed Mr G Billington / Chester / 1843 to page 1, and inscribed Will^{m Lomax Tron...}to the back page, and with stamp Geo. Trollope & Sons and Colls & Sons / West Alkin Street, / Belgrave Square, / LONDON, S.W.  Extensive water staining overall, first six pages including the title page lacking, the later marbled and leather boards with extensive wear.

Christopher Gilbert, The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale, London, 1978, pp. 65-92

Geoffrey Beard and Christopher Gilbert, Dictionary of English Furniture Makers, 1660-1840, Leeds, 1986, p. 72

This lot is being sold "not collated." The volume is incomplete and should be personally inspected by a prospective purchaser.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

As Christopher Gilbert states 'It would be difficult to exaggerate the importance of Chippendale's Director as a formative influence in mid-18th century furniture styles'.  First published in 1754, of which the present lot most likely is a copy, there was a subsequent, almost identical, edition in 1755, followed by a further edition on 1763.  Mr. G Billington most probably refers to George Billington of Chester, a cabinetmaker who was admitted as a freeman on October 20, 1819.