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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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 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
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
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
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
19th Century Gillows of Lancaster Walnut & Leather Upholstered Library Arm Chair
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Shrewsbury, GB
A 19th century Gillows of Lancaster walnut and leather upholstered library arm chair, with exceptional overall condition and colour. The button down ...
Leather, Walnut
A W N Pugin attributed, made by Gillows of Lancaster. A Gothic Revival oak side
By Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
A W N Pugin attributed, made by Gillows of Lancaster. A Gothic Revival oak side chair with carved entwining leaf florets to the shaped upper back rest, and a carved rose to the centr...
Oak
A W N Pugin, probably made by Gillows of Lancaster A Gothic Revival oak armchair
By Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
A. W. N. Pugin Probably made by Gillows of Lancaster for the House of Lords, London. A Gothic Revival oak armchair with carved rosettes to the headrest, and each side of the arms. Un...
Oak
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...
Oak
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.
Oak
Bruce Talbert Gillows, Aesthetic Movement rosewood armchair with pink upholstery
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert for Gillows. An Aesthetic Movement Rosewood armchair with a pink button back upholstered back and seat.
Rosewood
Very Rare Gillows of Lancaster Regency Hardwood Harpist Height Adjustable Chair
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to this stunning and very rare original Gillows of Lancaster Rosewood height-adjustable Harpist musician stool A very good looking ...
Wood, Beech
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...
Mahogany
H 37.5 in W 24.5 in D 24.5 in
Pair of oak bergere library chairs
Located in Cheshire, GB
Pair of oak bergere library chairs. The solid oak frame inset with double cane work panels having removable leather cushions. All raised on barley twist supports united by stretcher....
Oak
H 38.59 in W 28.35 in D 27.56 in
18th Century Carved Mahogany Library Bergère Armchair
Located in Lymington, GB
An English 18th-century carved mahogany library armchair - or bergère - of good rich colour. George III, circa 1780. This antique Sheraton-period armchair, sometimes described as a bergère (bergere) chair, is raised on reeded square tapering legs which merge, headed by a carved rosette panel...
Mahogany
H 36 in W 20 in D 20 in
Charles Bevan, Gillows Attr. a Set of Six Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chairs
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Charles Bevan
Located in London, GB
Charles Bevan attributed, for Gillows. A good quality set of six English Aesthetic Movement oak dining chairs, with central upright to the back united by lower angular uprights wit...
Oak
H 40.95 in W 17.33 in D 19.3 in
Set of 6 Brutalist Oak Raw Spanish Dining Chairs
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Gorgeous oak chairs with the original leather seat and oak frame. Clear pin hole connections give the chairs a nice robust look. The stools are in a good condition with some visibl...
Leather, Oak
H 34.06 in W 16.15 in D 17.72 in
Six Original Victorian circa 1890 Steeple Back Gothic Arch Oak Dining Chairs 6
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely suite of six original Gothic revival English oak Victorian dining chairs circa 1890 A very decorative and well made set, each chair ...
Oak
H 33.08 in W 18.12 in D 19.3 in
Set of six antique George III quality mahogany dining chairs
Located in Ipswich, GB
Set of six antique George III quality mahogany dining chairs, having a quality mahogany carved top rail and carved centre splat, upholstered seats, standing on turned tapering front ...
Mahogany
H 35.5 in W 17.5 in D 14 in
Pair of 19th Century Antique Mahogany Hall Chairs
Located in Martlesham, GB
A pair of mid 19th Century mahogany hall chairs, having circular shaped and moulded backs and centred by shield reserves, hard seats...
Mahogany
H 32 in W 27 in D 19 in
Set of Four Adrian Pearsall Sculptural Walnut Dining Chairs
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous set of four Adrian Pearsall sculptural walnut dining chairs. The set consists of two armchairs and two side chairs. They have been reupholstered in a wonderful period appropriate nubby woven fabric in a cool turquoise. We have many Adrian Pearsall table...
Upholstery, Walnut
H 105 in W 47 in D 43 in
Six Painted Oak and Rush Dining Chairs, circa 1940s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Set of six unusual oak dining chairs, with a geometric patterned design carved on the wood, and a criss-cross motif on the backs, flanked on either side by rush detailing. The front ...
Rush, Oak
H 31 in W 16 in D 15 in
Set of Six Rare Brass Dining Side Chairs
By Maison Baguès
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of rare design brass chairs. Low profile HEAVY brass dining chairs.
Brass
H 38.25 in W 24.5 in D 19.5 in
Set of Eight Waring And Gillow George III Style Mahogany Dining Chairs
Located in Essex, MA
Each very sturdy and wonderful generous scale with serpentine carved crestrail over a pierced splat with carving and drop in upholstered seat raised on cabriole legs with ball and cl...
Other
H 36.5 in W 28 in D 20.5 in
Vintage Regency Printed Silk Bergere Chairs - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Indulge in the exquisite charm of this pair of Vintage Regency Printed Silk Lounge Chairs. These armchairs exude a sophisticated elegance, featuring graceful frames that hint at both...
Silk, Upholstery, Wood
H 28.35 in W 26.78 in D 38.59 in
Mid 19th Century Open Armchair attr' Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Batley, GB
A mid 19th century country house open armchair. Raised on ebonized turned and carved walnut front legs and arm supports. The rear legs splayed and chamfered and all legs with the ori...
Walnut
H 29.14 in W 19.69 in D 29.14 in
Pair of Slipper chairs attributed to Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Batley, GB
A pair 19th century bedroom chairs. Raised on ebonized and parcel gilt walnut legs with the original Cope & Collinson brass casters. Both c...
Walnut
H 37.01 in W 23.82 in D 25.2 in
Bruce Talbert, stamped Gillows. An Aesthetic Movement upholstered oak armchair.
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert attributed, stamped Gillows. An Aesthetic Movement oak armchair was professionally re-upholstered in a light blue Damask.
Oak
H 34 in W 21 in D 24 in
English Antique Mahogany Bergere Chair by Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Sherborne, GB
English 19th century mahogany bergere arm chair circa 1830 by Gillows . The frame is caned throughout with arched top rail and down swept arms ending with ball terminals, finely tune...
Mahogany
H 77 in W 76 in D 80 in
19th Century Gillows Armchair, circa 1880
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Batley, GB
A shapely 19th century armchair by Gillows of Lancaster. Raised on walnut legs and the original Cope & Collinson brass and ceramic casters. Structurally in good solid order and j...
Walnut
H 36 in W 27 in D 25 in
Gillows UK Early 20th Century Triangular Carved Corner Chair
By Waring & Gillow, Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Sakskøbing, DK
A beautifully detailed and carved walnut corner chair by Gillows of Lancaster and London. The richly carved chair with lion's head on the armrest has a matching pattern cushion in a ...
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
H 35.04 in W 15.56 in D 19.3 in
Pair of Regency Mahogany Hall Chairs by Gillows of Lancaster
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
A PAIR OF REGENCY MAHOGANY HALL CHAIRS ATTRIBUTED TO GILLOWS, c. 1815 For a related mahogany hall chair see Susan E Stuart, Gillows of LANCASTER and LONDON 1730-1840, Antique Coll...
Mahogany
H 30.32 in W 23.63 in D 27.96 in
Gillows 19th Century Iron Back Nursing Armchair
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Batley, GB
A good quality Gillows iron back nursing chair. Raised on oak turned front legs and all raised on the original Cope & Collinson Strong patent casters. Englis...
Oak
H 30.32 in W 23.63 in D 27.56 in
Gillows 19th Century Iron Back Nursing Armchair
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Batley, GB
A good quality Gillows iron back nursing chair. Raised on walnut turned and carved walnut front legs with the rear legs both stamped Gillows and all raised o...
Walnut
H 23.63 in W 30.71 in D 32.29 in
Mid 19th Century Gillows Tub Armchair
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Batley, GB
A very good quality Mid-19th century tub chair by renowned maker Gillows of Lancaster. Raised on gilt turned front legs and out splayed stamped...
Walnut
H 33.47 in W 27.96 in D 37.41 in
19th Century Gillows Walnut Open Armchair
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 without splayed chamfered legs to the rear, all ...
Walnut
H 29.53 in W 25.99 in D 27.56 in
Gillows Slipper Chair in Antique Grain Sacks
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Batley, GB
A very good quality mid 19th century slipper chair by renowned maker Gillows of Lancaster. Raised on walnut legs with gilt detail and all on the original brass Cope & Collinson casters. Upholstered by us in antique European grain sacks...
Walnut