Scottish native Duncan Phyfe was the preeminent furniture of the nineteenth century. After apprenticing with a cabinetmaker, Phyfe, a poor immigrant, relocated to New York City in 1792 and opened his furniture making business two years later. Through hard work and determination, along with his exceptional talent, Phyfe acquired wealth and fame. He created beautifully crafted pieces and sold them at low prices, making him one of the leading furniture makers of his time.
During his early years, Phyfe produced neoclassical furnishings that was sold to the elite in New York, Philadelphia and in the South. Later in his career, Phyfe moved into the antique style of the 1820s, characterized by an archaeological look, as well ash the Grecian style popular during the French Restoration period. Throughout his life, Phyfe incorporated a wide range of classical styles into his work, including Empire, Federal, French Classical, Regency and Sheraton, but he is famous for the simple style of his pieces. He typically used mahogany wood for his pieces, staining them with rich colors and finishing them with a high sheen.
In addition to his impeccable furniture styling, Phyfe was a shrewd businessman with strong commercial instincts. His competitive pricing resulted in a very successful business enterprise. He rarely signed or marked his pieces in any way and his designs were often shamelessly imitated by other furniture makers of the time, so it is difficult to determine which pieces are actually his without bills of receipt and other paperwork.
Phyfe's pieces were in high demand between 1805 and 1820 and he was a prominent figure in the furniture industry until his retirement at the age of 77 in 1847. His pieces are still coveted by collectors, though most collectors are only interested in signed pieces or pieces that have been proven authentic.
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