Pair of Giltwood Armchairs after Thomas Chippendale

A superb quality pair of open armchairs, after late 18th century designs by Gillows of Lancaster and London, the manufacture attributable to Gillow & Co. English, circa 1880. Why we like them Wonderfully elegant model, looking very delicate but in fact unusually strong – the sign of a skilled craftsman. Interestingly, chairs of this exact model can be seen in a painting by Walter Dendy Sadler (British, 1854-1923), The After Lunch Conversation, 1889, sold at Doyle, New York, 21 May 2024, lot 83. Design These chairs correspond to Gillows’ 'Garforth pattern' - a rare and highly desirable design - which first appeared in 1795 and was probably an adaptation of Georges Jacob's design of circa 1792 for Marie-Antoinette's dairy at Rambouillet. Gillows made the chairs not only in mahogany but also japanned, and they appear to have been particularly popular among the genteel, professional, and merchant classes in the north of England. In 1796, the Earl of Strafford purchased six white and green japanned chairs for Wentworth Woodhouse...

An rare late George III – early Regency period painted elbow chair, carved in the Chinoiserie fashion to simulate bamboo, after designs by Gillows. English, circa 1790–1800. Supplied...

This set of two carved mahogany chairs was crafted by the inimitable and famed Thomas Chippendale. The yellow upholstered seats complement the deep mahogany beautifully, creating an ...

A stunning pair of 19th century Georgian design mahogany open armchairs in the manner of Chippendale. Stunningly hand carved with a lovely...