Seeking Stubborn Paint Removal Tips and Recommendations

I have a number of handmade pieces of furniture made by my great-grandfather, but my grandmother was extremely heavy-handed with a paint overcoat in the 1960's.  I am about to start stripping and refinishing a small child's chair, but before I dig in with whatever stripper I can get my hands on, I thought I'd reach out and get suggestions -- the paint is extremely thick, just slathered on everything, and of course, it's black.  Many thanks for your advice in advance.