Duncan Phyfe

Duncan Phyfe, a Scottish immigrant, became America's most renowned cabinetmaker, defining Neoclassical elegance in 19th-century furniture.

ABOUT

Born Duncan Fife in Scotland in 1768, Duncan Phyfe immigrated to Albany, New York, in 1784 and began his journey as a cabinetmaker's apprentice. By 1791, he had moved to New York City, and by 1794, he had not only established his own business on Broad Street but also changed the spelling of his name to Phyfe. Despite his humble beginnings as a poor immigrant, Phyfe's exceptional talent and relentless hard work quickly propelled him to fame and fortune. He became known as the…

Read Duncan's full story in Art Whisper

NOTABLE WORKS

Cellaret 1800 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art Window stool 1805 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art Kettle Stand 1810 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art Pembroke Table 1810 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art Cylinder Desk and Bookcase 1815 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art Pier Table in the Neo-Classical Taste 1815 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art

See all of Duncan's works in Art Whisper

INFLUENCES

Influenced by

Thomas Sheraton18th-century British furniture design Thomas Hope18th-century British furniture design

Influenced