Waring & Gillow Desks

British

Historic furniture manufacturing company Waring & Gillow Ltd. was at the forefront of luxury English furnishings for the better part of a century. Having furnished era-defining ocean liners — including the RMS Lusitania and HMS Queen Mary — the company’s name was synonymous with prestige.

It began as an informal partnership between English furniture companies Gillows of Lancaster and Warings of Liverpool. Gillows had built a reputation in the 18th and early 19th centuries by providing high-end furniture to some of the country’s wealthiest families. In the 19th century, the Waring company had supplied furniture to major hotels and public buildings across Europe.

The two companies formally merged in 1903, becoming Waring & Gillow. With this combined expertise, the company flourished for decades. During the world wars, Waring & Gillow converted their factories to produce protective clothing, glider wings and ammunition chests, among many other products.

In 1953, retail conglomerate Great Universal Stores acquired the company and kept the Waring & Gillow name. In 1960, Great Universal Stores sold off a large share of the operation to the John Peters furniture retailer, while maintaining some of its manufacturing facilities.

In the 1980s, Waring & Gillow was merged with furniture company Maple and Co. and rebranded as Maple, Waring and Gillow. The spirit of the original Waring & Gillow companies still resonated in the sophisticated designs and quality manufacturing.

On 1stDibs, shop antique Waring & Gillow tables, cabinets and desks.

Waring & Gillow desks for sale on 1stDibs.

Waring & Gillow desks 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 Waring & Gillow desks, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks by Waring & Gillow were created in the Victorian style in united kingdom during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider desks by and Gillows of Lancaster & London. Prices for Waring & Gillow desks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,749 and can go as high as $5,181, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,267.

Questions About Waring & Gillow Desks

What is Gillow furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Gillow furniture was made by the company Gillows of Lancaster and London, or simply Gillow & Co. This furniture-making brand was founded in the mid 1700s and continued with the founding family until 1814 when a buy-out happened. The name Gillow is still used because it had become synonymous with quality. Shop a collection of Gillow furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
How do I identify Gillows furniture?
1 Answer
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.
How do I identify my Gillows furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Gillows of Lancaster & London was an 18th-century furniture maker who created high-quality wood furniture designs. Many pieces may have a Gillows stamp along with a series of letters and numbers marked under tabletops, along the top edges of drawers or some other hidden spot. The materials used and craftsmanship will also help identify an authentic Gillows piece. When in doubt, work with a certified appraiser to determine the authenticity of your piece. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a variety of expertly vetted antique Gillows furniture.
Where was Gillows furniture made?
1 Answer
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.
What is cabbage ware?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
Cabbage ware is a type of dinnerware that looks like folded lettuce leaves. While porcelain goods that took on the form of lettuce and cabbage produced by Meissen were popular in pre-20th-century Europe, a Florida-born artist named Dodie Thayer later popularized these ceramics in the United States with a whimsical line of dishes, cups and serveware. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of lettuce ware.
What is lettuce ware?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Lettuce ware was a fun trend which started in the 1960s in Palm Beach, Florida. Created by Dodie Thayer, the dinnerware was crafted in realistic shapes of lettuce and cabbage using bright green colors. You can let the trend live on by shopping a selection of lettuce ware from some of the world’s top enthusiasts on 1stDibs.
How do I identify yellow ware?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To identify yellow ware, take the piece to a licensed appraiser. Only about 5 percent of all yellow ware bears artist's markers and many convincing reproductions exist. An experienced appraiser has the knowledge necessary to determine if pottery is the real thing. You'll find a range of expertly vetted yellow ware on 1stDibs.
How do I identify Carlton Ware?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
To identify Carlton Ware, familiarize yourself with the maker's markings by looking at images published on trusted online resources. During its long history, the pottery manufacturer used a variety of markings, including blue, brown and maroon ribbons and blue, black and gold crowns. Knowing what these markings look like can help you recognize them on your pottery. Moreover, some marks were reserved for specific Carlton Ware lines, such as the "Lustre" mark, found on items from the Walking Ware range. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also help you identify your pottery. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of Carlton Ware pottery.
Is Carlton Ware valuable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024
Yes, some Carlton Ware pieces are valuable. Certain lines produced by the British pottery factory are particularly popular among collectors and fetch high prices as a result. They include the Art Deco series of tableware inspired by King Tut's tomb and the Guinness Toucan from the 1950s. How much a particular piece of Carlton Ware is worth depends on its age, style, rarity and overall condition. Consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer for an estimated valuation. Explore a diverse assortment of Carlton Ware pottery on 1stDibs.
What is Japanese Bizen ware?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Japanese Bizen ware is a form of pottery that does not use glaze, creating pieces that are lackluster and have a rustic appearance. Bizen ware is made from a type of clay that is more difficult to spread enamel on than other types of clay. As a result, the method of production involves selecting specific soil to turn into clay and drying the pottery before firing it. Browse a range of Japanese Bizen ware on 1stDibs.
Where was Kensington Ware made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJanuary 27, 2025
Kensington Ware was made in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. Hower, the maker of the line, Alcoa, stopped production of Kensington Ware in 1970. The company launched the line in 1934 in order to offer high-quality pieces crafted out of aluminum. Find an assortment of Kensington Ware tableware and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
How do you identify Tunbridge ware?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
To identify Tunbridge ware, first examine photographs shared on trusted online resources so you can become familiar with what these decorative furnishings and housewares look like. While there have been many styles, Tunbridge ware usually shows off decorative mosaics created by gluing together pieces of wood in thin layers. The result is very distinct, so you may be able to recognize it based on sight alone.

You can also search your piece for a maker's mark or label and then research the artisan or company that produced it to see if it is known for Tunbridge ware. One very well-known maker was Thomas Barton, who typically added a “T. Barton” label to his works. To get an expert opinion on your piece, have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer inspect it.

Explore a diverse assortment of Tunbridge ware on 1stDibs.
When was Kensington Ware made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJanuary 19, 2025
Kensington Ware was made during the 20th century. In 1934, Alcoa began producing tableware and decorative items out of aluminum under the Kensington Ware brand name. The company shuttered its New Kensington, Pennsylvania, plant and discontinued the line in 1970. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Kensington Ware tableware and giftware.
What are yellow ware bowls?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yellow ware bowls are bowls that are part of the yellow ware tradition, originating in England during the 18th century. Yellow ware gets its name from its striking yellow color which comes from the type of clay it uses. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of antique yellow ware from some of the world’s top sellers.
How do I clean Wedgwood jasper ware?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To clean Wedgwood jasper ware, fill your sink with warm water and mild dish soap. Submerge the jasper ware and allow it to soak for a few minutes. Then, wipe it with a soft sponge, rinse with warm water and dry with a cloth. Find a large selection of Wedgwood jasper ware on 1stDibs.
Is Carlton Ware still made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, interestingly enough, Carlton Ware is in fact still made. Founded in 1890, the company closed its doors in 1992. In 1997, the brand was resurrected and continues to make items for the collector’s market. Find a collection of vintage and modern Carlton Ware pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What was Carlton Ware Australian Design?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Carlton Ware Australian Design debuted in England in the 1930s and stayed in production until the 1960s. Today, the pottery house’s creations are beloved by collectors and other enthusiasts all over the globe. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique Carlton Ware from some of the world’s top sellers.