Chippendale and his contemporaries were true masters of furniture making, but they had a unique advantage that other craftsmen do not possess today: the exceptional quality of a specific mahogany known as Swietenia mahogani. This particular wood, found only in select regions of Cuba and Hispaniola, was unrivaled for its beauty and functionality, making it highly sought after by furniture makers during its time.

The demand for Swietenia mahogani was so intense that it was depleted within just fifty years after its discovery, leading to its extinction. This loss reflects not only the exceptional crafting skills of the time but also the unsustainable nature of exploiting such a prized natural resource. The legacy of these furniture makers is intertwined with the history of this extraordinary wood, which can never be replicated.