A SPECIAL exhibition to mark the 300th anniversary of Thomas Chippendale opens at Harewood House this week.

The House's own acclaimed collection of pieces by the celebrated furniture maker and designer, who was born in Otley, will go on display from Friday, March 23.

Thomas Chippendale - Designer, Maker, Decorator will run through to September and feature a trail through the House and grounds.

The programme will also include a contemporary response to Chippendale by artist Geraldine Pilgrim, who will create an installation for the grounds and a display for the House’s Terrace Gallery.

Chippendale’s work at Harewood House was the most expensive and ambitious single commission of his career, and saw him create some of his masterpieces.

Highlights include a mirrored display of Harewood’s Diana and Minerva Commode, which visitors will be able to view in detail.

The exhibition is the latest part of Chippendale 300 - a nationwide programme of activities and events being held to celebrate the cabinet maker's tercentenary.

Chairman of the Chippendale Society, Adam Bowett, said: "The Harewood commission has long been recognised as the most important of Chippendale’s long career, the ultimate showcase of his abilities as a designer, furniture maker, entrepreneur and businessman.

"The Chippendale Society is immensely proud of its long association with Harewood House Trust, which will be closer than ever in 2018.

"Not only is Harewood a major lender to the 2018 Chippendale exhibition, but its programme of events will greatly enhance the nationwide Chippendale 300 project which involves Chippendale collections at locations throughout the UK.”

Other notable pieces that will be on show at Harewood will include the State Bed, which dates back to 1773.

The bed was designed by Chippendale for Royal visitors. Costing £400 for the frame, furnishings and mattresses, it was the most expensive piece of furniture ever created by the Chippendale firm.

Geraldine Pilgrim, meanwhile, is creating an art installation called Their Obedient Servant in Harewood's 18th Century courtyard as part of the exhibition.

The work will feature a five-metre-high 'tree' designed to look as if it is growing through the stone cobbles and copper wire mattress of a Chippendale style four-poster bed.

The tree will also be carved with details of Chippendale’s family history.

Ms Pilgrim will be creating a second installation, inspired by Chippendale's signature chairs, in the Terrace Gallery too.

A series of workshops and design and craft activities will also be held throughout the exhibition's season to help visitors further explore Chippendale's work and materials.

For more details visit www.harewood.org or call (0113) 218 1000.