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17446
A Late Georgian Metamorphic Bureau Table Attributed to Gillows
A Late Georgian Metamorphic Bureau Table Attributed to Gillows
Dimensions: H: 33.5 in / 85 cm | W: 42 in / 107 cm | D: 29 in / 73 cm
PRICE: £45,000
17446
A Late Georgian Metamorphic Bureau Table
Attributed to Gillows of London & Lancaster
Constructed using the finest San Domingo mahogany, the unusual library cabinet of rectangular form supported on a moulded plinth with hidden castors, with glazed double doors to one side, opening to reveal four sliding folio shelves; the leather inset top with a sliding mechanism and double-easel support, hinged in the middle allowing the bookrest to ratchet upwards.
English, circa 1825
A related example by Gillows is illustrated in Susan E. Stuart's two-volume work on the famous cabinetmaker, equally fitted with a so-called "double riser." A nearly identical bureau table bearing the stamp of Gillows was sold at Sotheby's London in 1983.
The founder of the Gillows dynasty, Robert (1704-1772) rose from humble beginnings as a provincial joiner, and evolved into a consummate businessman following a pursuit of excellence throughout his life. Founding his business in 1730 he expanded his furniture making activities to include the direct import of quality West Indian timbers especially the finest mahogany.
His talents as both a cabinetmaker as well as innovative designer brought him early success, and, bringing his two sons, Richard & Robert, into the business, he expanded his Lancaster showroom, to include another in London's Oxford Street. The clientele now included the Government, the aristocracy and the burgeoning middle classes. His furniture had gained its' reputation for excellence of workmanship, and materials employed, and coupled with his insistence on being at the cutting edge of design kept the company to the fore throughout its' one hundred and seventy year history from 1730 until its' amalgamation with Messrs S.J. Waring in 1900.
Throughout this period it was the largest manufactory of furniture in England. The fortuitous survival of the Gillows records in their Estimate Sketch Books show over 20,000 designs and are preserved in the City of Westminster Library. Furniture made by Gillows is to be found in Royal collections and museums throughout the world. The recent publication of Susan E. Stuart's scholarly and invaluable study on the company, published by the Antique Collectors Club is a masterpiece of its' type, and a wonderful exegesis of the company.
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