Object Description
A superb antique Victorian flame mahogany writing table, by Gillows, circa 1860 in date.
The rectangular top features a moulded edge with a striking inset gold tooled green leather writing surface with two drawers in the frieze. The drawers with the original wooden knobs, solid mahogany linings and hand cut dovetails. It is raised on four decorative turned and reeded legs that terminate in brass and brown porcelain castors and bears the impressed mark of Gillows.
It is finished on all sides so that it can stand freely in the middle of a room.
Complete with working locks and keys.
Condition:
In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 75.5 cm x Width 105.5 cm x Depth 55 cm
Dimensions in inches:
Height 2 foot, 6 inches x Width 3 foot, 5 inches x Depth 1 foot, 10 inches
Gillow & Co.
was originally founded in Lancaster in 1730. Gillow’s of Lancaster was a household name in Victorian Britain, and the firm exported furniture throughout the Empire. Key to the company’s success was the dynamic father and son team at its core.
The London branch was opened in 1775. Among Gillow’s most successful pieces during this period were those made in the Neoclassical style from original drawings by Robert Adam. In the period 1813-1820 the Gillow family gradually withdrew from personal involvement with the business.
In 1897 Gillow & Co. merged with a Liverpool firm and they henceforth traded as Waring & Gillow.
Flame Mahogany
Thomas Sheraton – 18th century furniture designer, once characterized mahogany as “best suited to furniture where strength is demanded as well as a wood that works up easily, has a beautiful figure and polishes so well that it is an ornament to any room in which it may be placed.” Matching his words to his work, Sheraton designed much mahogany furniture. The qualities that impressed Sheraton are particularly evident in a distinctive pattern of wood called “flame mahogany.”
The flame figure in the wood is revealed by slicing through the face of the branch at the point where it joins another element of the tree.
Our reference: A4862