Object Description
A Fine Rosewood Inverted Breakfront Chiffonier in the Manner of Gillows, c.1825
Veneered in the finest rosewood, this side cabinet with mirror display shelving above is very much in the manner of pieces made by both Gillows and their Scottish rival William Trotter in the George IV period. The finely turned balusters supporting the upper shelf, with their leaf carved detailing, are very much of Gillows type, as are the sweeping corbels flanking the cupboard doors in the lower section. The fine, original, brass grills with rosette detailing are also very much of the level of quality demanded by the leading firms of the period and would have required a significant upcharge in terms of costs at the time when ordered. The round, cast, escutcheons on the doors are in the Bramah manner. The top shelf has a low gallery lip for additional security and also for decorative reasons, this setting off the piece beautifully.
The piece has a lovely faded colour and the timber used throughout is of excellent quality with fine figuring that has been expertly matched to create the most attractive overall decorative effect. The piece has a plinth base rather than the more commonly encountered bun or ormolu feet and this makes it all the more attractive and interesting.