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Regency Mahogany Architect's Table by Gillows, England, circa 1815
$56,226.29
£41,800
€48,538.64
CA$79,148.90
A$86,472.60
CHF 45,320.58
MX$1,032,510.41
NOK 573,536.35
SEK 534,810.72
DKK 362,506.05
About the Item
This exceptional Regency architect's table, attributed to the renowned Gillows workshops, represents the pinnacle of early 19th-century English furniture craftsmanship. Constructed from rich San Domingo mahogany around 1815, this free-standing writing table showcases the innovative design and meticulous attention to detail that made Gillows the greatest furniture-making firm in England.
The architect's table stands on four elegantly turned, reeded and tapering legs fitted with original brass castors, allowing it to be moved with ease. All sides are beautifully finished with recessed mahogany panelling, making this a true free-standing piece that can be appreciated from every angle. The mahogany top features a sophisticated double ratchet tilting mechanism with two book rests, perfect for reading, drawing, or architectural work.
What makes this Regency table truly remarkable is its ingenious secretaire drawer system. A pair of faux-drawers with pierced brass handles and a Bramah lock conceal a fall-front writing surface lined in leather, accompanied by a fitted pen tray and pair of inkwells. The tilting writing surface slides back to reveal six hinged compartments, each lid beautifully inlaid with boxwood stringing and an oval cartouche bearing letters of the alphabet. The back compartments contain removable trays and secret drawers—what Gillows called "private drawers"—adding an element of intrigue and practicality.
This architect's table can be attributed to Gillows with reasonable certainty. Several documented Gillows pieces incorporate a secretaire drawer of identical design, including a desk supplied in 1778 now at Constable Burton. The interior compartments with their lettered cartouches and concealed secret compartments were a signature feature of Gillows craftsmanship. Tables with this drawer arrangement were described as 'of new construction' by the firm, and Richard Gillow himself invented this mechanism, preventing other craftsmen from copying the plans. An almost identical table by Gillows was supplied to Sir John Shaw Stewart in 1801, further supporting this attribution.
Gillows of London and Lancaster was founded by Robert Gillow in 1730 and earned a stellar reputation for exquisite craftsmanship and cutting-edge designs, particularly in mahogany furniture. The firm expanded with showrooms in both Lancaster and London, attracting clientele from the State, landed gentry, and the emerging middle class. Robert's sons, Richard and Robert, carried on his legacy, and by the 19th century, Gillows had become England's biggest furniture manufacturer. The firm's enduring legacy includes over 20,000 preserved designs and pieces in royal collections and museums worldwide before merging in 1900.
This Regency architect's table is in excellent condition and remains fully functional, a testament to Gillows' superior construction methods and choice of materials. It would make a stunning addition to any study, library, or office, serving both as a practical workspace and a significant piece of English furniture history.
English, circa 1815
Dimensions: H: 37 in / 94 cm W: 42.5 in / 108 cm D: 25.5 in / 65 cm
- Attributed to:Gillows of Lancaster & London (Cabinetmaker)
- Dimensions:Height: 37 in (93.98 cm)Width: 42.5 in (107.95 cm)Depth: 25.5 in (64.77 cm)
- Style:Regency (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1815
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: 67711stDibs: LU954747426962
About the Seller
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The British Antique Dealers' AssociationLAPADA - The Association of Arts & Antiques Dealers
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: London, United Kingdom
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