My second book, will cover the full range of Chippendale's neo-classical designs. The book will show how 18th Century marquetry was cut, assembled and laid, but most revealingly, will offer first sight of how his furniture looked when first made some 230 years ago.

I examine, in close detail, Chippendales marquetry, providing a revealing catalogue of the great man's innovative techniques. Expert photography and revealing Photoshop editing, provided by Ted Clements, a leading member of the Leeds Photographic Society, offers detailed views of the marquetry, never before published. Insight into the tools, materials used in Chippendale's London workshops are fully illustrated. The proven techniques finally lay to rest the years of misconceptions that have surrounded marquetry's many construction methods.

Use of a unique and ground-breaking discovery, allows me to reveal the original dye pigments used to colour the veneers. UV Spectronomy is a scientific method of measuring dyestuffs, and developed by the Munich based Conservator/Scientist - Dr Heinrich Piening. His findings provide the vital evidence needed to underpin my research.

During the past year I have added yet another key into the equation, which hopefully will unlock secrets otherwise hidden from marqueteurs. Translation of the French written classic 5-volume treatise in the 18th century by Parisian based Andre Jacob Roubo between 1769-1774 reveals further clues to the working methods used to produce Europes finest marquetry furniture. L'Art du Menuisier - Ebeniste is the 3rd volume covering marquetry working practises, offering evidense of the techniques and tools used to create Europe finest furniture. The 3rd volume is on course to be completed this year and its English translation will offer me a host of clues leading to the answers to many hitherto hidden secrets.

To date, research for the Chippendale book spans 5 years and continuing ......

Edited - May 2009