George III Gillows Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase Cabinet

A superb quality George III mahogany secretaire bookcase attributed to Gillows of Lancaster. The rectangular cavetto moulded cornice above two astragal glazed doors, the base with a moulded top above two long false drawer fronts forming a deep secretaire drawer fitted with a gilt tooled green leather sliding writing surface concealing a deep well flanked by six lidded boxes and further secret compartment, with a pair of panelled purplewood banded doors below enclosing further drawers and cupboard space and raised on splayed feet joined by shaped apron.

Very unusual and attractive geometrical design to the upper doors which enclose three adjustable shelves to each side which slide into slotted channels (much easier than using support bars or pins). The sophisticated secretaire drawer, with the slide and lidded compartments, is of the type introduced by Gillow firm in 1782 replacing their old pattern of secretaire which had been in use since the 1750s. This form of secretaire is discussed in S.Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London 1730-1840. In good condition, of elegant proportions and with a good deep colour and figuring, some marks & knocks consistent with age and use and hairline cracks to three of the glass panels.

Overall dimensions (approximately)

Width - 49 5/8in (126cm)

Depth - 23 1/2in (59.5cm)

Height - 91 3/8in (232cm)

Dismantles into two sections for moving (upper section & base section)

Internal dimensions

Writing surface - 45 1/4in wide x 17in deep x 34 1/2in high (115cm x 43cm x 88cm)

Knee room (under secretaire) - 26in (66cm)

Top shelves (each side) - 21 7/8in wide x 11 1/2in deep (55.5cm x 32cm)

Ref: 0769

Gillows of Lancaster were a leading manufacturer of furniture during the 18th and 19th centuries established around 1730 by a cabinet maker named Robert Gillow (I) (1703-1772). Robert was known for his use of mahogany which he imported from the West Indies and within a few years his workshop was being recognised for its superior quality of construction and use of desirable mahogany becoming one of the largest furniture producers outside London. He established the firm’s first links with London and the gentry, and sent his eldest son Richard (1733-1811) to be apprenticed to a  ‘Mr. Jones’ of London, probably the architect William Jones. The London Oxford Street shop was established in 1769-70. New workshops were built in both Lancaster and London and furniture ordered in London was sent every week from Lancaster. Importantly, from the mid-1750s, Richard, working in Lancaster, could draw fashionable new furniture based on designs sent to him by his cousin James, a journeyman in London. When Robert Gillow died in 1772, the business passed to his two sons, Richard and Robert. While Robert managed the London branch, and was thereby familiar with all the latest London fashions, Richard ran the Lancashire base. It was between 1750 and 1811 that some of the best English furniture ever was being fabricated by the Gillow company in Lancaster.

Delivery:

We can arrange to deliver this to most UK mainland destinations, please contact us for a price.

When buying it is important appreciate antiques have long histories of daily use and as such, over time they gain minor scratches, marks, knocks, shrinkage splits, signs of old woodworm, lifts and losses to veneer, which combine with care and years of polishing to create an individual character and patina. We describe the main flaws and those that fall outside of this bracket but cannot describe each marks separately and therefore suggest you do take the time to request extra photos. We do offer a 14 day money back guarantee if you are unhappy with your purchase but cannot refund the return shipping cost. If you are not sure please do not buy without clarifying or take the view that the only way to have it as near to new as possible is to have it fully and comprehensively restored.

For delivery we use a small carrier experience in carrying antique furniture. Delivery is usually within 31 days and the carrier will make arrangements with you directly. We can provide contact details of other carriers if required.