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ID #SA1237808
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£750
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Gillows Victorian Carved Golden Oak Desk Chair Attributed to Bruce James Talbert
For sale by Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
Id #SA1237808
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Gillows Victorian Carved Golden Oak Desk Chair Attributed to Bruce James Talbert

19th century
Description

A Gillows Late Victorian Golden Oak Desk Chair attributed to Bruce James Talbert. This fine chair has a carved back with detailed geometric designs, turned legs, a carved finial on top of both sides, a great condition upholstered brown seat and carved detailing throughout.

Stamped “T 4369”, the coding system was a traditional stamp by Gillows on most pieces of furniture from 1870s onwards. The “T” is unique, most Gillows pieces, traditionally have a L, for Lancashire or London, before the stock numbers, but there have been a rare few pieces made by Gillows with different letters for example chairs with “C” to start with. These pieces with original letting are believed to either be by specific workshops, cabinet makers or designers within the firm. Not only does the design attribute to Bruce James Talbert work, but we believe the T, for Talbert, signifies a piece made or designed by him.

Gillows of Lancaster and London (Gillow & Co):

By the mid-18th century the firm was one of the leading cabinet-makers in Lancaster. They had a reputation for manufacturing very high quality furniture. By the end of the 1700s most of the firm's partners were based in London. The firm merged with a Liverpool firm in 1897 to form Waring & Gillow.

Bruce James Talbert:

Bruce James Talbert (1838 – 28 January 1881) was a Scottish architect, interior designer and author, best known for his furniture designs. He moved to London in 1866 to design furniture for Holland & Sons. The following year his Reformed Gothic furniture won a silver medal at the 1867 Paris Exhibition. In 1868 he became a designer for Gillows of Lancaster and London. He also designed metalwork, tiles, stained glass, textiles, and wallpaper. His work with Gillows was displayed at numerous international exhibitions, including the International Exhibition of 1873, and his designs in the Medieval and Jacobean styles were imitated by many cabinet making firms. His designs tended to be highly detailed, including bold geometric inlaid patterns, intricately carved squares of boxwood and rows of small turned spindles.

Dimensions:

Height - 108cm

Width - 58cm

Depth - 60.5cm

Seat Height - 50cm

Free Uk mainland delivery.

Physical Dimensions
Height
108cm (42.52")
Width
68cm (26.77")
Depth
60.5cm (23.82")
Declaration

Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables has dated this Victorian Oak Desk Chair to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1237808
Dealers Notes

Delivery:

Free UK mainland delivery (excluding Scottish islands and other UK islands).

International delivery available — please contact us or request a quote.

Description
A Gillows Late Victorian Golden Oak Desk Chair attributed to Bruce James Talbert.
“
This fine chair has a carved back with detailed geometric designs, turned legs, a carved finial on top of both sides, a great condition upholstered brown seat and carved detailing throughout.
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
fig 1. A Victorian golden oak armchair featuring a carved backrest, curved arms, brown leather seat with brass studs, and turned legs.
fig 1. Gillows Victorian Carved Golden Oak Desk Chair Attributed to Bruce James Talbert

Stamped “T 4369”, the coding system was a traditional stamp by Gillows on most pieces of furniture from 1870s onwards. The “T” is unique, most Gillows pieces, traditionally have a L, for Lancashire or London, before the stock numbers, but there have been a rare few pieces made by Gillows with different letters for example chairs with “C” to start with. These pieces with original letting are believed to either be by specific workshops, cabinet makers or designers within the firm. Not only does the design attribute to Bruce James Talbert work, but we believe the T, for Talbert, signifies a piece made or designed by him.

fig 2. A Victorian golden oak armchair featuring a carved backrest, curved arms, brown leather seat with brass studs, and turned legs.
fig 2. Gillows Victorian Carved Golden Oak Desk Chair Attributed to Bruce James Talbert

Gillows of Lancaster and London (Gillow & Co):

By the mid-18th century the firm was one of the leading cabinet-makers in Lancaster. They had a reputation for manufacturing very high quality furniture. By the end of the 1700s most of the firm's partners were based in London. The firm merged with a Liverpool firm in 1897 to form Waring & Gillow.

fig 3. A Victorian golden oak armchair featuring a carved backrest, curved arms, brown leather seat with brass studs, and turned legs.
fig 3. Gillows Victorian Carved Golden Oak Desk Chair Attributed to Bruce James Talbert

Bruce James Talbert:

Bruce James Talbert (1838 – 28 January 1881) was a Scottish architect, interior designer and author, best known for his furniture designs. He moved to London in 1866 to design furniture for Holland & Sons. The following year his Reformed Gothic furniture won a silver medal at the 1867 Paris Exhibition. In 1868 he became a designer for Gillows of Lancaster and London. He also designed metalwork, tiles, stained glass, textiles, and wallpaper. His work with Gillows was displayed at numerous international exhibitions, including the International Exhibition of 1873, and his designs in the Medieval and Jacobean styles were imitated by many cabinet making firms. His designs tended to be highly detailed, including bold geometric inlaid patterns, intricately carved squares of boxwood and rows of small turned spindles.

Dimensions:

Height - 108cm

Width - 58cm

Depth - 60.5cm

Seat Height - 50cm

Free Uk mainland delivery.

Height
108cm (42.52")
Width
68cm (26.77")
Depth
60.5cm (23.82")
Date of Manufacture

Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables has dated this Victorian Oak Desk Chair to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1237808
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2024
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables Profile Page

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A Victorian golden oak armchair featuring a carved backrest, curved arms, brown leather seat with brass studs, and turned legs.
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Film
Film of Gillows Victorian Carved Golden Oak Desk Chair Attributed to Bruce James Talbert
Archive I A Victorian golden oak armchair featuring a carved backrest, curved arms, brown leather seat with brass studs, and turned legs.

Gillows Victorian Carved Golden Oak Desk Chair Attributed to Bruce James Talbert

Film
Archive II A Victorian golden oak armchair featuring a carved backrest, curved arms, brown leather seat with brass studs, and turned legs. View II
Archive III A Victorian golden oak armchair featuring a carved backrest, curved arms, brown leather seat with brass studs, and turned legs. View III
Archive IV A Victorian golden oak armchair featuring a carved backrest, curved arms, brown leather seat with brass studs, and turned legs. View IV
Archive V A Victorian golden oak armchair featuring a carved backrest, curved arms, brown leather seat with brass studs, and turned legs. View V
Archive VI A Victorian golden oak armchair featuring a carved backrest, curved arms, brown leather seat with brass studs, and turned legs. View VI
Archive VII A Victorian golden oak armchair featuring a carved backrest, curved arms, brown leather seat with brass studs, and turned legs. View VII
Archive VIII A Victorian golden oak armchair featuring a carved backrest, curved arms, brown leather seat with brass studs, and turned legs. View VIII
Archive IX A Victorian golden oak armchair featuring a carved backrest, curved arms, brown leather seat with brass studs, and turned legs. View IX
Archive X A Victorian golden oak armchair featuring a carved backrest, curved arms, brown leather seat with brass studs, and turned legs. View X
Archive XI A Victorian golden oak armchair featuring a carved backrest, curved arms, brown leather seat with brass studs, and turned legs. View XI
Archive XII A Victorian golden oak armchair featuring a carved backrest, curved arms, brown leather seat with brass studs, and turned legs. View XII
Archive XIII A Victorian golden oak armchair featuring a carved backrest, curved arms, brown leather seat with brass studs, and turned legs. View XIII
Archive XIV A Victorian golden oak armchair featuring a carved backrest, curved arms, brown leather seat with brass studs, and turned legs. View XIV
Archive XV A Victorian golden oak armchair featuring a carved backrest, curved arms, brown leather seat with brass studs, and turned legs. View XV
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Telephone 01553 601578
Location
West Norfolk
United Kingdom
Verified Since Aug 2024
Items For Sale 60
Items Sold 194
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
Verified Since Aug 2024
View Dealer Info
Location: West Norfolk, United Kingdom
Verified
Aug 2024
For Sale
60
Sold
194
A Victorian golden oak armchair featuring a carved backrest, curved arms, brown leather seat with brass studs, and turned legs.
Gillows Victorian Carved Golden Oak Desk Chair attributed to Bruce James Talbert
Ref: SA1237808
A Victorian golden oak armchair featuring a carved backrest, curved arms, brown leather seat with brass studs, and turned legs.
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDesk Chairs
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian Aesthetic Movement
  • MaterialGolden Oak, Leather, Brass
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsPierced backrest, Turned legs, Curved armrests, Carved scroll apron
  • SizeH 108 cm (43 in) x W 68 cm (27 in) x D 60.5 cm (24 in)

This 19th-century desk chair is attributed to Bruce James Talbert in the Victorian Aesthetic Movement style, manufactured by Gillows of Lancaster and London. The piece is constructed from golden oak with a warm brown leather seat upholstered with brass studs. Details include turned legs, carved scroll aprons, curved armrests, a pierced backrest with geometric designs, and turned finials on top of the rear uprights. The timber displays a rich honey tone with dark figuring. Stamped T 4369, the frame has a height of 108 cm, width of 68 cm, and depth of 60.5 cm. This armchair suits a gentleman's library or a home study, positioned at a partner's desk or writing table for daily seating use.

Victorian Aesthetic Movement furniture features stylised natural motifs, geometric carving, and high-quality hardwoods like golden oak. Influenced by designers such as Bruce Talbert, these pieces prioritise functional form and artisanal woodworking over excessive gilt ornamentation.

Victorian desk chairs were primarily constructed from solid hardwoods such as oak, mahogany, or walnut using pegged mortise and tenon joinery. Upholstery frequently utilised real leather fixed to the wooden frame with hand-hammered brass studs.

Authentic pieces display hand-carved decorative elements, age-appropriate wear to the timber frame, and historical joinery techniques. Maker stamps or impressed serial numbers are often visible on the underside of the seat rail or rear legs.

A Victorian oak chair can be positioned alongside a minimalist modern desk to create a textured focal point in a home office. It can also function as an accent chair in a library, hallway, or living space paired with neutral wall tones.

Keep oak furniture clear of direct heat sources to prevent moisture loss and timber splitting. Apply microcrystalline wax to polished wood surfaces and treat the leather seat with a specialized leather balm to preserve flexibility.
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