A rare set of eighteen 19th Century mahogany square back dining chairs attributed to Gillows of Lancaster. Similar to Scottish brander-back dining chairs each has a square moulded back with four splats and on square tapering legs which are outsplayed to the back and joined by an ‘H’ and back stretcher, the drop-in seats are upholstered in dark tan hide leather, whilst some have been recovered in a closely matching old imitation leather, the frames beneath the seats are stamped with the workman’s initials ‘FS’, ’FB’ or ‘EB’ and a number. All in solid mahogany, marks consistent with age and use including some dents to the rear of one on the slats and a repair to the seat on another, all solid with no movement in the joints, the drop-in style of set is more easily recovered if required..Square-back dining chairs became one of Gillows most popular designs when they were introduced c.1790, this set is likely a variation dating to the early 19th century.20 1/8in wide x 18 1/2in deep...