Object Description
A striking Goncalo Alves (Albuera wood) writing table attributed to Gillows and Bullock, the rectangular leather-inset top with a wide band of paired ivy leaves and double borders in brass boulle-work inlaid into ebony probably by George Bullock, all above two frieze drawers and two end supports, the upper sections of which are turned and gadrooned above twin columns, all raised on acanthus carved cabriole legs, joined by a turned stretcher, original castors. English, c1825.
Literature: Susan E Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London, 1730-1840, Antique Collectors’ Club, Woodbridge, 2008 Vol.I pp267-268. Pls 274, 275 and 276.
Footnote: In describing this table (plate 275) Susan Stuart attributes it to Gillow & Co because of its similarity to a rosewood writing table in the Estimate Sketch Book of June 1825 (plate 274). She also writes ‘the most intriguing thing about is piece is the brass inlay or boulle (buhl) work which forms a border on the table top’. She then confirms that it was a pattern commonly used by George Bullock of Birmingham and London and that there had been a long history of co-operation between the two firms dating from the 18th century.