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Robert Gillows II 1790 Writing Library Mahogany Chest of Drawers Leather Slope
$11,295.04
$14,118.8020% Off

About
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare circa 1790 Georgian writing Library chest of drawers with desk secretaire by Gillows of Lancaster and London
A rare find, looking through Gillows of Lancaster and London 1730-1840 I've found a selection of similar examples, the drawer linings and dovetail joints are correct, as detailed in Volume I page 279 you can see the exact same fold drop mechanism for the drawer front, on page 282 you can see the exact same leather writing slope, the lock is correct, stamped PATENT under the Crown for King George III, these locks were used by Gillows between 1784-1797 as detailed again on Chapter 7 page 337 Volume II.
The timber is correct for the period, Cuban or Havana mahogany, a very detailed extract reads as follows. Adam Bowett has pointed out that Cuban Mahogany was first bought into England after the capture of Havana in 1762 and during the subsequent British occupation
The desk has been sympathetically restored to include being lightly waxed and polished, the leather inserts are new, the original had totally perished, otherwise it is in stunning condition for a 220+ year old chest of drawers
Dimensions:
Height 98cm
Width 125cm
Depth 64cm
Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point.
Gillows of Lancaster and London, also known as Gillow & Co., was an English furniture making firm based in Lancaster, Lancashire, and in London. It was founded around in Lancaster in about 1730 by Robert Gillow (1704–1772)
Gillows was owned by the family until 1814 when it was taken over by Redmayne, Whiteside, and Ferguson; they continued to use the Gillow name.
Gillows furniture was a byword for quality, and other designers used Gillows to manufacture their furniture.
Gillows furniture is referred to by Jane Austen, Thackeray and the first Lord Lytton, and in one of Gilbert and Sullivan's comic operas
In 1903 Gillows merged with Warings of Liverpool to become Waring and Gillow and although the furniture remained of a high quality it was not as prestigious.
This item is available for collection from our Wimbledon warehouses.
Condition
Please view the very detailed pictures as they form part of the description around condition
Please note vintage period and original items such as leather seating will always have natural patina in the form of cracking creasing and wear, we recommend regular waxing to ensure no moisture is lost, also hand dyed leather is not recommended to sit in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time as it will dry out and fade.
Details
- CreatorWaring and Gillows (Cabinetmaker),Gillows of Lancaster & London (Cabinetmaker, Maker)
- DimensionsHeight: 38.59 in. (98 cm)Width: 49.22 in. (125 cm)Depth: 25.2 in. (64 cm)
- StyleGeorgian (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques
- Place of Origin
- Period1790-1799
- Date of Manufacture1790
- ConditionWear consistent with age and use. Minor fading.
- Seller LocationLondon, GB
- Reference Number1stDibs: LU2823313601982
Shipping & Returns
- ShippingRates vary by destination and complexity. We recommend this shipping type based on item size, type and fragility.Estimated Customs Duties & Taxes to the Continental US: $0.Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return Policy
A return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
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About the SellerLocated in London, United Kingdom
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