Duncan Phyfe and the English Regency, 1795-1830

Duncan Phyfe and the English Regency, 1795-1830 by Nancy McClelland. paperback edition. ISBN: 9780486239880.

In this, the definitive work on Duncan Phyfe, Nancy McClelland, noted authority on the history of American antiques, recounts with keen appreciation the story of his life and work. She identifies the English Regency style, tells how the style developed, shows how it influenced Phyfe, and then describes both the man himself and numerous examples of his furniture construction -- his tables, chairs, sofas, sideboards, beds, etc. Accompanying the text are many fine photographs of famous Regency homes and furniture, houses built during the Classical Revival in America, and scores of Phyfes masterpieces. Succeeding chapters, also enriched with photographs of surviving pieces, describe work by Phyfes competitors -- Lannuier, Michael Allison, John Gruez, John Seymour, Samuel McIntire, Nehemiah Adams, Henry Connelly, etc. -- and work by Phyfe known to have been bought by specific customers -- William Akin, John Alling, John Jacob Astor (the person most responsible for Phyfes commercial success), William Bayard, Thomas Lattimer Bowie, De Witt Clinton, Dr. Edward Delafield, William Livingston, John Wells, and others. Addenda, following the last chapter, display drawings of characteristic Phyfe details, genealogical charts of the Phyfe family, a copy of Phyfes will, and similar intriguing material.