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Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

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.

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Creator: Gillows of Lancaster & London
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...
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1880s English Aesthetic Movement Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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 ...
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Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

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...
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Mid-19th Century English William IV Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

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...
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19th Century British Victorian Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Metal

Early 19th Century English Regency Canterbury Attributed To Gillows, Lancaster
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Dublin, IE
A stunning early 19th century canterbury by Gillows of Lancaster, with three tall flat X form slots, above a frieze drawer stamped ( GILLOWS.LANCASTER ). The case with four turned f...
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Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Wood

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...
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1880s English Victorian Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

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 ...
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Late 18th Century English George III Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Early 19th Century Regency Specimen Table by Gillows of Lancaster and London
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Early 19th century regency marble top specimen centre table made by Gillows of Lancaster and London, the statuary white marble top with central stylized neoclassical motif depicting a temple and star surrounded with inlaid radiating specimens of rare and ancient stones such as Giallo Antico, Verde Antico, Rosso Antico, Sienna, Jasper and Portoro set within carved gadrooned, cabochon and bead border supported on turned baluster pod with barley twist and acanthus motif on trefoil base raised over cabriole leg with acanthus motif on knee terminating on paw foot. Provenance: Torridon House Torridon House is situated on the northern shore of upper loch Torridon, beneath the dramatic mountain ridges of Beinn Alligin and Liathach, the house was built by Duncan Darroch in 1876 on an estate bought from the McBarnets and previously the possession of the Lords of the Isles. The architect was Alexander Ross, who built inverness cathedral. Constructed from the famous Torridon red sandstone, it was designed for family living, as well as to support parties during the shooting and fishing seasons. In the early 20th century it changed hands several times until it was bought by the 4th Earl of Lovelace in 1960. The Lovelaces had previously lived at Ben Damph on the south side of the Loch, which had been in their possession since 1886. Torridon is currently the home of the 5th earl and his wife. The Lovelace title belongs to the King family, who trace their history back to Exeter. Sir Peter King (circa 1669-1734) was the maternal nephew of the philosopher John Locke...
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Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Marble

Early 19th Century Regency Mahogany Chiffonier
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Early 19th century Regency mahogany chiffonier. The three quarter gallery superstructure with shelves, the projecting lower section with outset corners, the twin doors with pleated f...
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1810s Irish Regency Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Brass

Specimen Games Table Attributed to Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in New Orleans, LA
This magnificent games table incorporates some of the rarest English marbles, hardstones and fossil specimens, including Derbyshire Blue John. The scarcity of these coveted stones makes an inlaid circular piece of this size a truly exceptional and unique masterpiece. The tabletop, with its fabulous specimens surrounding an Ashford marble chessboard...
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19th Century English Regency Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Stone

Early 19th Century Regency Pair of Hall Chairs by Gillows of Lancaster & London
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Early 19th century Regency pair of mahogany hall chairs by Gillows of London & Lancaster, the carved moulded back with centred armorial shield surmount...
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1810s Irish Regency Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Chippendale Revival Desk by Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
A magnificent antique Chippendale revival desk by Gillows. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1890-1900 period. The quality is outstanding, the Gillows makers stamp ...
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1890s British Chippendale Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Brass

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...
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19th Century British Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Oak

Fine Gillows, Walnut & Kingwood inlaid fitted drawer cabinet on stand
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Dereham, GB
Fine Gillows, Walnut & Kingwood inlaid fitted drawer cabinet on stand circa 1920s Square cube shaped cabinet with single door, with, Silver plated etched, Escutcheon, Hinges, & corne...
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1920s English Dutch Colonial Vintage Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Kingwood

An Aesthetic Movement oak knee hole desk
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
In the style of Bruce Talbert. Made by Gillows of Lancaster, stamped' Gillow & Co 11425' to centre drawer. An Aesthetic Movement oak knee hole desk with an upper gallery of which the...
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1870s Aesthetic Movement Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Oak

Fine Pair of Late 19th Century Bronze and Sevres Porcelain Cabinets by Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Very Fine Pair of Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Sèvres Style Porcelain Mounted Kingwood Cabinets Gillows of Lancaster and London The upper section with a pair of doors with Sèvres style porcelain plaques painted with a flower filled urn, the lower section with a frieze drawer with floral decorated plaques, raised by four legs joined by a “X” stretcher. Stamped on the wood drawer Gillow. Robert Gillow established his company around 1730. It was widely considered one of the most important British cabinet making firms. Trading first...
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Late 19th Century English Belle Époque Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Large and Impressive Gillows Hall Stand
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very large and impressive late 19th century 'Gillows' hall stand or mirror backed console. Having ebonized banding and carved decoration, Amboyna veneered panels, carved Greek godd...
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Late 19th Century English Neoclassical Revival Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Ebony, Amboyna

Original Rare Gillows Lancaster circa 1789-95 Hardwood Fold Over Game Card Table
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare circa 1789-1795 Gillows Lancaster mahogany games card fold over table A very rare and well made pi...
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1780s English Georgian Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Early 19th Century George IV Pair of Chairs by Gillows of Lancaster and London
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Early 19th century George IV pair of occasional chairs by Gillows of Lancaster and London, the curved top rail with centred flower head...
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1820s English George IV Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Bruce Talbert attributed probably made by Gillows. A Gothic Revival oak armchair
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert attributed, probably made by Gillows. A Gothic Revival oak armchair with a shaped head rail centered with a carved floret, flanked by carved floral finials...
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1880s English Gothic Revival Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Oak

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...
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Mid-19th Century English Gothic Revival Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Oak

Little 19th Century Desk by Gillows of Lancaster
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
A beautiful little desk made by Gillows of Lancaster in the 19th century. The drawer is stamped with the maker's name - please take a look at all our pictures for a closer look. It ...
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Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Oak

Bruce Talbert Gillows, Aesthetic Movement rosewood armchair with pink upholstery
By Bruce James Talbert, Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert for Gillows. An Aesthetic Movement Rosewood armchair with a pink button back upholstered back and seat.
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1870s English Aesthetic Movement Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Charles Bevan, Gillows & Co. An Aesthetic Oak Cabinet with Carved Birds & Fish
By Charles Bevan, Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
Charles Bevan for Gillows & Co. An Aesthetic Movement oak Canterbury, music or side cabinet with four carved panels, the upper pair depicting birds at dinner time, beaks full. The bo...
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1870s English Arts and Crafts Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Brass

Bruce Talbert, stamped Gillows. An Aesthetic Movement upholstered oak armchair.
By Bruce James Talbert, Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert attributed, stamped Gillows. An Aesthetic Movement oak armchair. It was professionally re-upholstered in a light blue Damask.
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1880s English Aesthetic Movement Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Oak

A W N Pugin Gothic Revival oak armchair by Gillows of Lancaster or Holland & Son
By Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, Gillows of Lancaster & London
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.
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1860s English Gothic Revival Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Oak

Very Fine Gillows of Lancaster Antique Hardwood Pie Crust Claw & Ball End Table
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very fine antique mahogany pie crust edge tripod table from Gillows of Lancaster A very good looking well made and decorative piece, it si...
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20th Century English Victorian Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Bruce Talbert. Gillows & Co a Rare Aesthetic Movement Walnut Chest of Drawers
By Bruce James Talbert, Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert. Gillows & Co a rare Aesthetic Movement walnut chest of drawers with a turned gallery to the top, with gilded highlighted details throughout. A good chest with original...
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1880s English Aesthetic Movement Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Satinwood & Marquetry Desk Stamped by Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A fine quality mid 19th Century well-figured satinwood and marquetry pedestal desk. Marquetry boxwood, rosewood & ebony line inlaid and satinwood throughout, having brass galleried t...
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Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Brass

Gillows Games Table, Card Table
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Mahogany Gillows Card Table, Games Table. A late-19th century mahogany fold over card or games table made by the Lancaster furniture manufacturers, Gillows. When not in use this high...
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Late 19th Century British Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Nest of Regency Specimen Wood Tables by Gillows of Lancaster
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A nest of Regency specimen wood tables by Gillows of Lancaster, each with a rectangular top and rosewood edge, the largest decorated with an amboyna field within rosewood banding, th...
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1810s English Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

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...
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Early 19th Century English George III Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Cane, Beech, Giltwood, Paint

19th Century English Regency Card Table Stamped Gillows Of Lancaster
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine Regency mahogany fold over games table, the hinged rectangular top with beaded edge, enclosing a green baize lined playing surface, the undersi...
Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Stamped Gillows of Lancaster Walnut Height Adjustable Fire Screen, circa 1850
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Waring & Gillow, Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare original Gillows Lancaster circa 1850 height adjustable walnut fire screen A very good looking and well made screen from pretty m...
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1850s English Victorian Antique Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Gillows Of Lancaster & London furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Gillows of Lancaster & London furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Gillows of Lancaster & London furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Gillows of Lancaster & London were created in the Victorian style in europe during the 19th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Howard and Sons, Howard & Sons Ltd, and Bevan Funnell Ltd.. Prices for Gillows of Lancaster & London furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,450 and can go as high as $323,824, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,615.
Questions About Gillows of Lancaster & London Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Gillows furniture was made in Lancaster and London, UK. The company is best known for producing ornate wood tables, cabinets and desks. Furniture-maker Robert Gillow started the company around 1730. You can find a selection of Gillows furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024
    To identify vintage furniture, you'll need to determine if its production year was 20 to 99 years ago. One way to do so is to research your piece. Start by finding maker's marks and looking them up on trusted online resources. Once you know the maker, you can then learn more about its history and offerings to get a rough idea of the approximate age of your item. Another option is to ask a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer to date your furniture. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of vintage furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To identify Gillows furniture, look for the brand's mark. Most pieces feature one, but locations vary. Look under the tabletop, along the edges of the drawers and on the backs of legs and bases. Typically, the mark appears as a stamp, but the company's artisans sometimes drew it in pencil. Find a variety of expertly vetted Gillows furniture on 1stDibs.

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