How do I identify a real Gillows piece?

Look for stamped signatures on drawer edges, distinctive brass locks, and meticulous secondary wood framing characteristic of the Lancaster workshops. Attribution often relies on specific structural traits, turning styles, and documented proportions associated with their cabinet-makers.

Where should I place a library table?

These tables are designed to stand free in the middle of a room, as their rear sides are finished with the same care as the front. They function effectively as executive desks, centre tables in large halls, or workspace surfaces in studies.

What is the difference between a writing table and a library table?

Library tables tend to be larger, heavier, and built for communal study or display in grand rooms, often incorporating leather writing surfaces. Writing tables are sometimes lighter in scale, though nineteenth-century makers frequently used the terms interchangeably.

How do I care for antique leather tops?

Maintain the leather by keeping it away from direct sunlight and applying appropriate micro-crystalline waxes or neutral balms. Avoid excessive moisture and heavy cleaning agents that can strip the original gilding and tooling.