It would be difficult to find an antique furniture enthusiast or collector unfamiliar with the name Gillows of Lancaster and London. The British furniture company — which has earned references in the writings of Jane Austen and elsewhere in literature — is renowned for its exceptional quality craftsmanship, and attracted designers such as Thomas Chippendale, Thomas Sheraton and George Hepplewhite in its heyday.
The firm was founded circa 1730 by Robert Gillow (1704–72), who worked as a joiner, housebuilder and overseas merchant before making furniture for homes and export. Gillow established his business in his home city of Lancaster. However, the company later expanded into London in the 1750s after Robert entered into a partnership with his son, Richard, who apprenticed with a London architect and learned the merchant trade in Barbados. Richard had entrepreneurial aptitude — he managed apprenticeships at the firm, ensured that quality materials were a priority, navigated economic hardships, and designed furniture, too. He created seating based on sketches drawn by his cousin, James Gillow, in London.
London’s wealthy upper class took notice of the Gillows’ high-quality furniture, which came to include bedroom furniture, cabinets, a range of seating and other pieces made of rosewood or rich mahogany imported from the West Indies and Jamaica. By the end of the 18th century, the manufacturer was one of the leading furniture makers in Britain. Gillows designed its own furnishings and worked with significant designers; they had in-house upholsterers and cabinetmakers and employed decorative techniques such as “japanning” in their designs.
Gillows of Lancaster and London became Gillow & Co. in 1813 after selling to Redmayne, Whiteside and Ferguson. The company continued to thrive throughout the Georgian era and into the Victorian period, a time that yielded well-known collaborations with Scottish architect and designer Bruce Talbert on a regular basis. High-brow clients of the manufacturer clamored for their inventive and functional designs for tables and writing desks, many of which incorporated whimsical elements such as secret and pop-up drawers. There was also demand for earlier Gillow designs such as Baroque and Gothic Revival pieces as well as adaptations of Chippendale works.
Despite their success, Gillow & Co. entered into financial hardship during the late 1800s with the advent of mass-produced furniture. By 1903, they merged with Waring of Liverpool to become Waring and Gillows and, in 1980, were taken over by Maple & Co. to become Maple, Waring and Gillow. Today, many Gillows of Lancaster and London pieces are in museums throughout the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia.
Find antique Gillows of Lancaster and London furniture on 1stDibs.
Antique Regency Mahogany Bergere/library Arm Chair.
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Sherborne, GB
Gillows mahogany bergere arm chair circa 1815. The chair has an arched top cresting rail, down swept arms resting on sabre legs ending on angled brass square castors. The back rail i...
Cane, Mahogany
George III Mahogany Carlton House Desk, attributed to Gillow of Lancaster.C.1790
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Huntington, NY
An exceptional Late 18th century Mahogany Carlton House desk attributed to Gillows of Lancaster, the curved superstructure with pierced brass gallery, fitted with two banks of three ...
Brass
Gillows. An Arts & Crafts Oak Treble Wardrobe with Ebony Floral Inlays
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
Gillows. An Arts & Crafts Glasgow style Arts & Crafts oak treble wardrobe with ebony and walnut stylized floral inlays to the cornice and further leaf style inlays to the door tops a...
Ebony, Oak
Rare Holland and Sons Furniture William IV Burl Walnut Reading Table, Ca. 1830
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Holland and Sherry
Located in Buchanan, MI
Very Rare Holland and Sons Furniture William IV Burl Walnut Reading Table, Ca. 1830, H 28.5" W 36" Depth 21", Beautiful color and patina and from a prominent mid west family.
Walnut
A W N Pugin, Stamped Gillows, a Set of Four Gothic Revival Oak Dining Chairs
By Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
A W N Pugin, made by Gillows of Lancaster. Stamped Gillows to the back legs. A set of four Gothic Revival oak dining chairs. Measures: Height 34 1/2 inches. x width 17 inches. x d...
Oak
Regency Mahogany Dressing Table by Gillows of Lancaster & London
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Sherborne, GB
This English Regency Mahogany dressing table by Gillows of Lancaster and London is Gillows at its finest. Superb quality mahogany and cabinet making, it could also use it as a writ...
Mahogany
Antique Mahogany Davenport Desk by Gillows of Lancaster
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in King's Lynn, GB
An antique solid mahogany Davenport desk, dating to circa 1820–1835, spanning the late Regency and early William IV periods, by Gillows of Lancaster, stamped “Gillows • Lancaster” to...
Leather, Mahogany
Gillows of Lancaster Parcel-Gilt Rosewood Tilt-Top Center Table, circa 1825
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Kinderhook, NY
An exceptional and important circa 1825, English regency, George IV period, parcel-gilt rosewood center table by the legendary firm Gillows of Lancaster, the large circular tilting t...
Brass
Unique Set of Four Walnut Framed Dining Chairs by Gillows of Lancaster
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Crawley, GB
For sale a set of four Victorian walnut framed dining chairs by Gillow of Lancaster , raised on fluted tapering legs , bearing stamped maker s marks to seat rails. According to Wikip...
Walnut
Rare Gillows Lancaster 1789-1795 George III American Walnut Dining Table
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this sublime fully restored circa 1789-95 Gillows Lancaster George III dining table in American Walnut A very rare and highly collectable table,...
Walnut
A Fine Set of 10 George III Style Mahogany Dining Chairs Stamped Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Fine Set of 10 George III Style Mahogany Dining Chairs Stamped Gillows, After Designs by Robert Manwaring c.1890 The chairs with finely crafted splats incorporating foliage, acant...
Leather, Mahogany
Antique Pair of Regency Mahogany Hall Chairs by Gilllows, 19th Century
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful antique pair of Regency mahogany hall chairs by Gillows Lancaster, circa 1820 in date. These lovely chairs have been masterfully crafted in beautiful solid maho...
Mahogany
Gillows Billiard Snooker POOL Table, circa 1820 Free shipping
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Radstock, GB
FREE SHIPPING to UK, EU and NYC (SEA) Front Door Standard An extremely elegant mahogany billiard table typical of Gillows craftsmanship circa 1820. Standing on slim reeded legs w...
Slate
Very Fine 19th Century Mahogany Console Table Stamped Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Richmond, VA
Very fine 19th century mahogany console table stamped by Gillows. Beautiful form and presence on this signed Gillows piece. The top is cross banded mahogany. Incredible quality hand ...
Mahogany
Crocodile Mahogany Side Table by Gillows of Lancaster & London, circa 1820
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Kinderhook, NY
An extremely fine circa 1820 side or writing table by legendary English cabinetmaking firm of Gillows of Lancaster and London of rectangular form having an exquisitely grained solid ...
Mahogany
Gillows, 19th Century Walnut Kidney Shaped Desk
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality 'Gillows' kidney shaped figured Walnut pedestal desk, having inset tooled leather top, eleven graduating mahogany lined drawers with their original brass ring drop han...
Walnut
AWN Pugin, Six Gothic Revival Oak Dining Chairs Probably for the House of Lords
By Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
A W N Pugin, made by Gillows of Lancaster. Stamped Gillows to the back legs. A set of six Gothic Revival oak dining chairs probably designed for the House of Lords...
Oak
An English Walnut and Tufted Leather Library Armchair by Gillows, 19th C.
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A distinguished English library armchair by Gillows, branded as shown. Crafted in walnut, the chair features a deep, generously proportioned seat and supportive back, both with tufte...
Leather, Walnut
Gillows attr. An Aesthetic Movement tilt top dining table with floral inlays
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
Gillows of Lancaster attributed. An Aesthetic Movement tilt top dining table with floral inlays to the oval top walnut. Stamped mark under the top 8198
Walnut
Bruce Talbert, for Gillows Set of 6 English Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chairs
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert. Made by Gillows of Lancaster and London. A good quality set of six oak dining chairs with an upper and lower row of turnings and carved details above. As you can see...
Oak
Gillows. A fine Aesthetic Movement side cabinet with hand painted floral panels
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
Gillows. An Aesthetic Movement side cabinet with hand painted floral panels to the doors and drawers; with a turned gallery to the top and to the lower shelf.
Walnut
Gillows & Co, Thomas Jeckyll Attr An Anglo-Japanese Marquetry Corner Cupboard
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Thomas Jeckyll
Located in London, GB
Thomas Jeckyll attributed, for William Henry Tate 1842-1922. Gillows & Co of Regent St. London., An Anglo-Japanese corner cupboard with open upper shelf and exquisite Marquetry door...
Boxwood, Fruitwood, Rosewood
Gillows of Lancaster Regency Rococo Revival Rosewood Side Chairs, circa 1825
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Kinderhook, NY
An exquisite set of four English George IV circa 1825 'First' Rococo Revival style side or dining chairs all signed by the legendary cabinetmaking firm Gillows of Lancaster having fo...
Cane, Rosewood
A W N Pugin Gothic Revival oak armchair by Gillows of Lancaster or Holland & Son
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin
Located in London, GB
A W N Pugin, probably made by Gillows of Lancaster or Holland and son, for the House of Lords in Parliament Square London. A Gothic Revival oak armchair. Professionally re-upholstered.
Oak
Bruce Talbert for Gillows and Co. Aesthetic Movement scissor style side chair
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert for Gillows and Co. An Aesthetic Movement scissor style side chair with ebonized dot details and chip carved details to the fra...
Oak
Fine Early 19th Century Writing Table Stamped Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
A fine early 19th century mahogany writing table with 6 drawers, 3 to the back and 3 to the front, with Egyptian mask handles, green leather top, all suppor...
Mahogany
A fine George IV period tray top occasional table by Gillows, c.1825
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A fine George IV period tray top occasional table by Gillows, c.1825 The table with a wavy, rectangular tray top is supported on two turned and carved end supports with a turned str...
Mahogany
Marquetry inlaid oak dressing table
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Cheshire, GB
An inlaid oak dressing table by Gillows of Lancaster, the central adjustable mirror supported on an architectural frame flanked by marquetry inlaid ebonised cupboard doors. To the re...
Oak
Bruce Talbert, Gillows, Two Rare Gothic Revival Oak Armchair in Blue Upholstery.
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert. Gillows of Lancaster. Two rare Gothic Revival armchairs. *The two with dark and light blue upholstery shown here are available, the one with brown upholstery is now s...
Oak
George IV Mahogany Bedside Cabinet, Gillows, England, c1830, Antique
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in High Peak, GB
P0316 A superb quality, antique George IV Mahogany bedside cupboard, having a three quarter gallery to the top with a very attractive figured grain above figured cupboard door fitted with a turned knob and figured mahogany sides and back. All raised on turned and reeded tapered legs. This antique night...
Mahogany
Fine Pair of George III Mahogany Wine Cisterns Attributed to Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
Each cistern is in the form of a fluted vase on a rectangular pedestal. The lead-lined vases have brass handles, removable lids with pineapple finials and taps. The crossbanded pedestals have cupboard doors enclosing slatted shelves for warming plates in one and a lead-lined slops drawers, a tambour fronted shelf and a cellaret in the other. Susan Stuart, 'Gillow of Lancaster and London', 2008 vol 1 p308-315 illustrates many pedestal urns including the drawings for Workington Hall, Cumbria, dated 1788. PLates 342 and 343 show pedestals with a similar arrangement of shelves and drawers. Thomas Sheraton explained the functions of dining room pedestals in his 'Drawing Book' of 1793: 'IN spacious dining rooms the sideboards are often made without drawers of any sort, having simply a rail, a little ornament...
Mahogany
Gillows of Lancaster marquetry inlaid oak wardrobe
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Cheshire, GB
Gillows of Lancaster marquetry inlaid oak wardrobe, having carved moulded cornice above large original bevelled mirror door opening to reveal an upholstered interior with large hangi...
Oak
A Fine and Unusual Closed Back What Not or Etagere in Rosewood by Gillows, c. 18
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Fine and Unusual Closed Back What Not or Etagere in Rosewood by Gillows, c. 1825 The piece having three tiers, the top one flanked to all sides by a fine fretted gilt metal galler...
Rosewood
Early 19th Century Patented Gillows Imperial Mahogany Dining Table
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Richmond, VA
Fine early 19th century patented "Imperial" dining table by Gillows of Lancaster. This table is very similar to the one made in 1813 for Broughton Hall. See page 243 in volume 2 of "...
Mahogany
A Fine George IV Period Breakfast Table, Stamped by Maker Gillows of Lancaster
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Fine George IV Period Breakfast Table, Stamped by the Maker, Gillows of Lancaster, c.1825 Of rectangular form with rounded corners and veneered throughout in Brazilian rosewood of ...
Rosewood
A Fine Suite of 12 Mahogany Dining Chairs by Gillows, c.1825
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Fine Suite of 12 Mahogany Dining Chairs by Gillows, Related to the Hackwood Park Commission, c.1825. The suite of waisted design with beautifully pierced scrollwork to the top rail...
Brass
Antique Georgian Gillows of Lancaster Mahogany Bedside Cabinet Pot Cupboard
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in King's Lynn, GB
Here we have an antique English late Georgian, circa 1820, Gillows of Lancaster (Gillows) mahogany bedside cabinet pot cupboard. Made by one of England’s most notable furniture makers Gillows, this single bedside cabinet has multiple key features, as it opens firstly into a chair and secondly by lifting up the seat it reveals a concealed compartment originally for chamber pots. Standing on four turned legs and featuring handle cutouts to each slide. Stamped inside of the concealed chamber pot compartment “Gillows Lancaster”. Two close comparable bedside cabinet sets to the example above were sold at Sotheby’s, Arts of Europe Auction, 6th November 2014, Lots 253 & Lots 273. Search on Sothebys “Gillows Bedside Cabinet...
Mahogany
1790 Gillows Cuban Hardwood Library Secretaire Desk Writing Table I Bramah Lock
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare circa 1790 George III Library writing desk secrataire by Gillows of Lancaster and London A rare find, looking through Gillows of ...
Mahogany
Regency Mahogany Hall Chair by Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Sherborne, GB
Mahogany Regency hall chair by Gillows circa 1815 with Roman and Greek architectural influences, the top cresting rail has bold Greek key decoration, the back panel has a step oval c...
Mahogany
A Fine Pair of Regency Mahogany Side Cabinets by Gillows, c.1815
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Fine Pair of Regency Mahogany Side Cabinets by Gillows, c.1815, This fine pair of mahogany side cabinets have all of the fine qualities associated with Gillows furniture of this pe...
Silk, Mahogany
Fine Quality Victorian Kidney-Shaped Desk in Richly Figured Walnut by Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A fine quality Victorian kidney-shaped desk in richly figured burr walnut by Gillows, the leather-inset top, above three drawers in the frieze and four graduated drawers in each pede...
Walnut
Gillows of Lancaster George 3rd Painted and Parcel Gilt Arm Chair
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Sherborne, GB
Untouched stunning Gillows of Lancaster and London George 3rd cream painted and parcel gilt arm chair, in its original warn through condition. This chair ha...
Cane, Beech, Giltwood, Paint
An unusual George IV specimen marble backgammon table attributed to Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
An unusual George IV specimen marble backgammon table attributed to Gillows. This rectangular table is strongly attributed to Gillows. It has a rectangular top inlaid with a central chess board flanked by two backgammon fields, all inlaid with a multitude of specimen marbles. One edge carved and gilded with the Latin motto ‘Turpe est in patria vivere et patriam ignorare’. The oak base has a drawer for cards and playing pieces, all raised on a square section support with four splayed legs and the original brass castors. English, circa 1830. Provenance: Geoffrey Bennison Ltd, London, November 1983 The Mermaid House Collection, St. John’s Wood, London Property of a gentleman Private American collection The form of the base of this table is related to several known Gillows commissions from the late Regency period and the quality of the cabinet work also suggests that firm attribution to the firm. Backgammon tables, rather than more general games tables, are unusual at this date and the use of inlaid specimen marbles in the top suggests a client of wealth. Additionally, the Latin text on the edge of the table provides further clues. The text, Turpe est in patria vivere et patriam ignorare, translates as “it is shameful to live in your homeland and not know it”. This phrase dates back to antiquity but rose to prominence once again in the mid-18th century when used by the botanist and key Enlightenment figure Carl Linnaeus in his work on the native flora of Sweden. The combination of this phrase and the use of native English timbers and marbles is promoting English raw materials and craftsmanship at a time when the noble and the wealthy were focussed on European pietra dura tables. Mermaid House in St John’s Wood was re-designed by Chester Jones...
Marble
The Glynllifon “Rutland” Chairs Supplied by Gillows in 1823 to Thomas John Wynn
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
The Glynllifon “Rutland” Chairs Supplied by Gillows in 1823 to Thomas John Wynn, Second Baron Newborough, each of this pair of solid rosewood chairs with a lyre shaped back and rolle...
Leather, Rosewood
19th Century Writing Table by Gillow & Co.
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Solebury, PA
A remarkable 19th-century kidney-shaped mahogany writing table by the esteemed Gillow & Co. is featured. This exquisite piece boasts a brass gallery rail encircling the top edge and ...
Leather, Mahogany
Very Rare Gillow Breakfront Library Desk Brass Gallery Burr Amboyna Wood
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning and exceptionally rare Gillow Library breakfront desk with brass gallery in Burr Amboyna timber, circa...
Burl, Mahogany
A Regency rosewood six drawer library table by Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Regency rosewood six drawer library table by Gillows, the rectangular top inset with a replaced tooled burgundy leather within a bead and reel border, with three frieze drawers on ...
Leather, Rosewood
Mid 19th century Gillows open armchair in Colefax and fowler printed linen
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Batley, GB
A superb quality mid 19th century armchair by Gillows of Lancaster. Raised on finely worked walnut turned front legs and arm supports with out splayed chamfered legs to the rear, all...
Walnut
A Beautiful and Rare Gillow & Co. Mahogany Breakfront Library Desk, Circa 1870
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
A Beautiful and Rare Gillow & Co. Mahogany Breakfront Library Desk, Circa 1870 A fine and scarce example of a Gillow & Co. breakfront library desk, crafted in richly figured...
Leather, Mahogany
A late William IV rosewood breakfront open bookcase, by Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A late William IV rosewood breakfront open bookcase, by Gillows, the shaped top with a turned baluster gallery above four doors with pleated silk panels behind diamond trellis grille...
Rosewood
Very Fine George IV Mahogany and Ebony Partners Desk by Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine George IV mahogany and ebony partners desk by Gillows of Lancaster, circa 1825, the tooled double border leather top with cross banding an...
Leather, Ebony, Mahogany
A Large Carved Wood & Gesso Fireplace by Gillows of London & Lancaster
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in GB
A large hand carved and gesso fire place with over mantle, faux painted marble columns and frieze. With central plaque with Adams urn and foliate detail , th...
Plaster, Softwood
Stamped Gillows Lancaster Double Sided Twin Pedestal Partner Desk Figured Oak
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning and exceptionally rare Gillows Lancaster twin pedestal double sided partner desk in panelled figured oak An exceptionally rare exa...
Amboyna
Gillow's of Lancaster, an Aesthetic Movement Walnut Armoire Wardrobe Compactum
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
Gillow's of Lancaster, an Aesthetic Movement walnut armoire wardrobe compactum with lots of useful storage space. The moulded cornice and b...
Walnut
A Fine George IV Period Mahogany Tray Top Tripod Table by Gillows, c.1825
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Fine George IV Period Mahogany Tray Top Tripod Table by Gillows, c.1825, the table with a wavy, rectangular tray top supported on a central turned stem with reeded baluster section...
Mahogany
19th Century 'Gillows' Credenza/Cabinet
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality mid-19th century figured walnut, sycamore and thuya marquetry crossbanded credenza, stamped 'Gillow & Co.' The top having diamond pattern parquetry inlay, fine 'Linke...
Ormolu
Rare 1794 George III Gillows of Lancaster Double Sided Postmasters Sorting Desk
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning and exceptionally rare 1794 George III Gillows Lancaster twin pedestal double sided postmasters desk i...
Mahogany
Gillows of Lancaster Aesthetic Movement Amboyna Burr Walnut Occasional Table
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare, fully restored, super quality Gillows of Lancaster & London Amboyna wood & burr walnut eboni...
Walnut
Early 19th Century English Regency Canterbury Attributed To Gillows, Lancaster
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Dublin, IE
A Regency period canterbury by Gillows of Lancaster, the upper section with X-form adjustable dividers terminating in finely turned roundels, forming four divisions for sheet music o...
Wood
19th Century Shaped Centre Table with Inlay and Gilt Metal by Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
An Antique Shaped Centre Table by Gillows Constructed in Circassian walnut, with specimen woods inlays, and gilt metal adornments; rising from a castor sho...
Metal