ROCKINGHAM CHIPPENDALE SOFA : UNDYED LEATHER
British Prime Minister 1765-1766 & 1782
Aristocracy at its finest, the elegant 18th century inspired Rockingham Chippendale Sofa is a graceful throwback the Chesterfield origins.
Charles Watson-Wentworth, the 2nd Marquee of Rockingham. He served in only two high offices during his lifetime (Prime Minister and Leader of the House of Lords), but was nonetheless very influential during his one and a half years of service. One of Watson-Wentworth’s biggest influences actually came in his second stint at the helm when he oversaw the abolishment of The Relief of the Poor Act 1782. This saw the creation of Unions and Civil Parishes, later officially called ‘unions under Gilbert’s Act’, to provide outdoor relief and set up workhouses.
We like to think that our Rockingham camel back sofa metaphorically encaptures the ups and downs of his leadership. However, of course, it has to be said that there’s an awful lot of inspiration drawn from the hugely talented Thomes Chippendale in this piece too. This particular Rockingham is a beauty. Deep buttoned throughout, it’s a tasteful blend of Chesterfield style with a Chippendale style. This partcular piece is in its Raw undyed leather which would be lovingly hand dyed any desired colour! Finished with a swan neck arm and four hand carved legs, it’s a very artful and stylish sofa.