Object Description
A fine early William IV mahogany breakfront bookcase firmly attributed Gillows of Lancaster, in four sections, the top with astragal glazed doors enclosing four adjustable shelves between reeded pilasters with anthemion scroll corbels, the base with four panelled arched doors between acanthus scroll and reeded pilasters, the frieze with two short drawers and a central secretaire drawer fitted with a reading slope and two slides above small compartments, decorated throughout with rich book-matched veneers. The secretaire drawer stamped ‘Preston’. English, circa 1835.
Footnote: Many closely related acanthus carved terminals, anthemion corbels and other typical Gillows features can be seen on the pair of bookcases, on this website, made by Gillows & Co for the library at Dallam Tower, Cumbria in 1829, and on a bookcase shown in Susan E. Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London 1730-1840, Antique Collectors’ Club, 2008, vol. I, p.379, pl.450. A similar large breakfront bookcase dated 1820-30 is illustrated on p.377, pl.446, ibid.