Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
It would be difficult to find an antique furniture enthusiast or collector unfamiliar with the name Gillows of Lancaster and London. The British furniture company — which has earned references in the writings of Jane Austen and elsewhere in literature — is renowned for its exceptional quality craftsmanship, and attracted designers such as Thomas Chippendale, Thomas Sheraton and George Hepplewhite in its heyday.
The firm was founded circa 1730 by Robert Gillow (1704–72), who worked as a joiner, housebuilder and overseas merchant before making furniture for homes and export. Gillow established his business in his home city of Lancaster. However, the company later expanded into London in the 1750s after Robert entered into a partnership with his son, Richard, who apprenticed with a London architect and learned the merchant trade in Barbados. Richard had entrepreneurial aptitude — he managed apprenticeships at the firm, ensured that quality materials were a priority, navigated economic hardships, and designed furniture, too. He created seating based on sketches drawn by his cousin, James Gillow, in London.
London’s wealthy upper class took notice of the Gillows’ high-quality furniture, which came to include bedroom furniture, cabinets, a range of seating and other pieces made of rosewood or rich mahogany imported from the West Indies and Jamaica. By the end of the 18th century, the manufacturer was one of the leading furniture makers in Britain. Gillows designed its own furnishings and worked with significant designers; they had in-house upholsterers and cabinetmakers and employed decorative techniques such as “japanning” in their designs.
Gillows of Lancaster and London became Gillow Co. in 1813 after selling to Redmayne, Whiteside and Ferguson. The company continued to thrive throughout the Georgian era and into the Victorian period, a time that yielded well-known collaborations with Scottish architect and designer Bruce Talbert on a regular basis. High-brow clients of the manufacturer clamored for their inventive and functional designs for tables and writing desks, many of which incorporated whimsical elements such as secret and pop-up drawers. There was also demand for earlier Gillow designs such as Baroque and Gothic Revival pieces as well as adaptations of Chippendale works.
Despite their success, Gillow Co. entered into financial hardship during the late 1800s with the advent of mass-produced furniture. By 1903, they merged with Waring of Liverpool to become Waring and Gillows and, in 1980, were taken over by Maple Co. to become Maple, Waring and Gillow. Today, many Gillows of Lancaster and London pieces are in museums throughout the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia.
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Creator: Gillows of Lancaster
London
19th Century carved mahogany teapoy stamped Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Superb quality Gillows regency mahogany teapoy circa 1820.
The main body being of sarcophagus form, which opens to 4 mahogany slides on each corner, 1 large tole compartment flanked...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Tin
Very Rare Gillow Breakfront Library Desk Brass Gallery Burr Amboyna Wood
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning and exceptionally rare Gillow Library breakfront desk with brass gallery in Burr Amboyna timber, circa...
Category
1850s English High Victorian Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Burl, Mahogany
The Glynllifon “Rutland” Chairs Supplied by Gillows in 1823 to Thomas John Wynn
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
The Glynllifon “Rutland” Chairs Supplied by Gillows in 1823 to Thomas John Wynn, Second Baron Newborough, each of this pair of solid rosewood chairs with a lyre shaped back and rolle...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
19th Century Gillows of Lancaster Walnut
Leather Upholstered Library Arm Chair
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in Shrewsbury, GB
A 19th century Gillows of Lancaster walnut and leather upholstered library arm chair, with exceptional overall condition and colour. The button down ...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Early 19th Century English Regency Canterbury Attributed To Gillows, Lancaster
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in Dublin, IE
A stunning early 19th century canterbury by Gillows of Lancaster, with three tall flat X form slots, above a frieze drawer stamped ( GILLOWS.LANCASTER ). The case with four turned f...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fine Pair of George III Mahogany Wine Cisterns Attributed to Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
Each cistern is in the form of a fluted vase on a rectangular pedestal. The lead-lined vases have brass handles, removable lids with pineapple finials and taps. The crossbanded pedestals have cupboard doors enclosing slatted shelves for warming plates in one and a lead-lined slops drawers, a tambour fronted shelf and a cellaret in the other.
Susan Stuart, 'Gillow of Lancaster and London', 2008 vol 1 p308-315 illustrates many pedestal urns including the drawings for Workington Hall, Cumbria, dated 1788. PLates 342 and 343 show pedestals with a similar arrangement of shelves and drawers. Thomas Sheraton explained the functions of dining room pedestals in his 'Drawing Book' of 1793: 'IN spacious dining rooms the sideboards are often made without drawers of any sort, having simply a rail, a little ornament...
Category
19th Century English George III Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Regency Specimen Table by Gillows of Lancaster and London
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Early 19th century regency marble top specimen centre table made by Gillows of Lancaster and London, the statuary white marble top with central stylized neoclassical motif depicting a temple and star surrounded with inlaid radiating specimens of rare and ancient stones such as Giallo Antico, Verde Antico, Rosso Antico, Sienna, Jasper and Portoro set within carved gadrooned, cabochon and bead border supported on turned baluster pod with barley twist and acanthus motif on trefoil base raised over cabriole leg with acanthus motif on knee terminating on paw foot.
Provenance: Torridon House
Torridon House is situated on the northern shore of upper loch Torridon, beneath the dramatic mountain ridges of Beinn Alligin and Liathach, the house was built by Duncan Darroch in 1876 on an estate bought from the McBarnets and previously the possession of the Lords of the Isles. The architect was Alexander Ross, who built inverness cathedral. Constructed from the famous Torridon red sandstone, it was designed for family living, as well as to support parties during the shooting and fishing seasons. In the early 20th century it changed hands several times until it was bought by the 4th Earl of Lovelace in 1960. The Lovelaces had previously lived at Ben Damph on the south side of the Loch, which had been in their possession since 1886. Torridon is currently the home of the 5th earl and his wife.
The Lovelace title belongs to the King family, who trace their history back to Exeter. Sir Peter King (circa 1669-1734) was the maternal nephew of the philosopher John Locke...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Marble
Late Regency Rosewood Breakfront Open Bookcase, Attributed to Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A late Regency rosewood breakfront open bookcase, attributed to Gillows, of rectangular form with three adjustable shelves, with tooled leather dust fringes, divided by four fluted p...
Category
1810s English Regency Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Original Rare Gillows Lancaster circa 1789-95 Hardwood Fold Over Game Card Table
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare circa 1789-1795 Gillows Lancaster mahogany games card fold over table
A very rare and well made pi...
Category
1780s English Georgian Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Robert Gillows II 1790 Writing Library Hardwood Chest of Drawers Leather Slope
By Gillows of Lancaster
London, Waring
Gillow
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare circa 1790 Georgian writing Library chest of drawers with desk secretaire by Gillows of Lancaster and L...
Category
1790s English Georgian Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
$9,753 Sale Price
30% Off
Antique Chippendale Revival Desk by Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in London, GB
A magnificent antique Chippendale revival desk by Gillows. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1890-1900 period.
The quality is outstanding, the Gillows makers stamp ...
Category
1890s British Chippendale Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Shaped Centre Table with Inlay and Gilt Metal by Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in London, GB
An Antique Shaped Centre Table by Gillows
Constructed in Circassian walnut, with specimen woods inlays, and gilt metal adornments; rising from a castor sho...
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Metal
Gillows of Lancaster Aesthetic Movement Amboyna Burr Walnut Occasional Table
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare, fully restored, super quality Gillows of Lancaster & London Amboyna wood & burr walnut eboni...
Category
1880s English Aesthetic Movement Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Early 19th Century Regency Mahogany Chiffonier
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Early 19th century Regency mahogany chiffonier. The three quarter gallery superstructure with shelves, the projecting lower section with outset corners, the twin doors with pleated f...
Category
1810s Irish Regency Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Victorian Ash
Burr Walnut Gillows of Lancaster Cheval Mirror Sconces
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this absolutely stunning Aesthetic Movement Gillows of Lancaster Victorian Ash and Burr Walnut Cheval mirror with twin candle sconces
What a find, in the...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Ash, Walnut
Very Rare Gillows of Lancaster Regency Hardwood Harpist Height Adjustable Chair
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to this stunning and very rare original Gillows of Lancaster Rosewood height-adjustable Harpist musician stool
A very good looking ...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Wood, Beech
Early 19th Century Regency Pair of Hall Chairs by Gillows of Lancaster
London
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Early 19th century Regency pair of mahogany hall chairs by Gillows of London & Lancaster, the carved moulded back with centred armorial shield surmount...
Category
1810s Irish Regency Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Mid-19th Century Pair of Figured Burr Walnut and Glass Panel Cabinets by Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in London, GB
A pair of burr walnut glazed side cabinets.
By Gillows
Designed in the Franglais manner combining English and French features, the side cabinets of serpentine outline veneered in...
Category
19th Century English Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Gillows of Lancaster marquetry inlaid oak wardrobe
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in Cheshire, GB
Gillows of Lancaster marquetry inlaid oak wardrobe, having carved moulded cornice above large original bevelled mirror door opening to reveal an upholstered interior with large hangi...
Category
19th Century British Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Oak
$7,523 Sale Price
20% Off
A fine George IV mahogany wine cooler attributed to Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A fine George IV mahogany wine cooler attributed to Gillows, in the form of a classical urn with everted lip and boldly gadrooned sides, set upon a flaring, flanged support with flut...
Category
1810s English George IV Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Late Regency Giltwood Centre Table Attributed to Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A very attractive antique late Regency giltwood centre table attributed to Gillow of Lancaster and London, inset with an Italian Pietra Dura top,
The central turned baluster supp...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
A Fine George IV Period Mahogany Tray Top Tripod Table by Gillows, c.1825
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Fine George IV Period Mahogany Tray Top Tripod Table by Gillows, c.1825, the table with a wavy, rectangular tray top supported on a central turned stem with reeded baluster section...
Category
Early 19th Century English George IV Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
A Huge Near Pair of Fabulous Mirrors From Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in London, GB
The height of these mirrors is 2 meters and 37 centimeters - they are enormous and fabulous!
Not quite a pair, but very impressive and attributed to Gillow's of Lancaster by Sotheby...
Category
Mid-19th Century British George IV Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Giltwood
An Aesthetic Movement oak knee hole desk
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in London, GB
In the style of Bruce Talbert. Made by Gillows of Lancaster, stamped' Gillow & Co 11425' to centre drawer. An Aesthetic Movement oak knee hole desk with an upper gallery of which the...
Category
1870s Aesthetic Movement Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Oak
Gillows of Lancaster Regency Rococo Revival Rosewood Side Chairs, circa 1825
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in Kinderhook, NY
An exquisite set of four English George IV circa 1825 'First' Rococo Revival style side or dining chairs all signed by the legendary cabinetmaking firm Gillows of Lancaster having fo...
Category
Early 19th Century English Rococo Revival Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Cane, Rosewood
Large and Impressive Gillows Hall Stand
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very large and impressive late 19th century 'Gillows' hall stand or mirror backed console. Having ebonized banding and carved decoration, Amboyna veneered panels, carved Greek godd...
Category
Late 19th Century English Neoclassical Revival Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Ebony, Amboyna
Bruce Talbert, for Gillows Set of 6 English Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chairs
By Gillows of Lancaster
London, Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert. Made by Gillows of Lancaster and London.
A good quality set of six oak dining chairs with an upper and lower row of turnings and carved details above.
As you can see...
Category
1880s English Aesthetic Movement Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Oak
Gillows
Co, Thomas Jeckyll Attr An Anglo-Japanese Marquetry Corner Cupboard
By Thomas Jeckyll, Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in London, GB
Thomas Jeckyll attributed, for William Henry Tate 1842-1922.
Gillows & Co of Regent St. London.,
An Anglo-Japanese corner cupboard with open upper shelf and exquisite Marquetry door...
Category
1870s English Anglo-Japanese Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Boxwood, Fruitwood, Rosewood
Bruce Talbert Gillows, Aesthetic Movement rosewood armchair with pink upholstery
By Gillows of Lancaster
London, Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert for Gillows. An Aesthetic Movement Rosewood armchair with a pink button back upholstered back and seat.
Category
1870s English Aesthetic Movement Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Antique Georgian Gillows of Lancaster Mahogany Bedside Cabinet Pot Cupboard
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in King
s Lynn, GB
Here we have an antique English late Georgian, circa 1820, Gillows of Lancaster (Gillows) mahogany bedside cabinet pot cupboard. Made by one of England’s most notable furniture makers Gillows, this single bedside cabinet has multiple key features, as it opens firstly into a chair and secondly by lifting up the seat it reveals a concealed compartment originally for chamber pots. Standing on four turned legs and featuring handle cutouts to each slide. Stamped inside of the concealed chamber pot compartment “Gillows Lancaster”.
Two close comparable bedside cabinet sets to the example above were sold at Sotheby’s, Arts of Europe Auction, 6th November 2014, Lots 253
Lots 273. Search on Sothebys “Gillows Bedside Cabinet...
Category
Early 19th Century British Georgian Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
19th Century English Regency Card Table Stamped Gillows Of Lancaster
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine Regency mahogany fold over games table, the hinged rectangular top with beaded edge, enclosing a green baize lined playing surface, the undersi...
Category
19th Century English Regency Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Gillows of Lancaster George 3rd Painted and Parcel Gilt Arm Chair
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in Sherborne, GB
Untouched stunning Gillows of Lancaster and London George 3rd cream painted and parcel gilt arm chair, in its original warn through condition. This chair ha...
Category
Early 19th Century English George III Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Cane, Beech, Giltwood, Paint
Gillows Gilt Bronze-Mounted Inlaid Table
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in Cheshire, GB
Gillows gilt bronze-mounted walnut table the inlaid to of oval form, raised up on four slender cabriole legs with gilt bronze-mounted sabots (Stamped Gillows to the underneath)
Di...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$4,235 Sale Price
38% Off
A late William IV rosewood breakfront open bookcase, by Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A late William IV rosewood breakfront open bookcase, by Gillows, the shaped top with a turned baluster gallery above four doors with pleated silk panels behind diamond trellis grille...
Category
Mid-19th Century English William IV Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
19th Century
Gillows
Credenza/Cabinet
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality mid-19th century figured walnut, sycamore and thuya marquetry crossbanded credenza, stamped 'Gillow & Co.'
The top having diamond pattern parquetry inlay, fine 'Linke...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Late Regency Gonçalo Alves Two-Door Side Cabinet Attributed to Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A late Regency Gonçalo Alves two-door side cabinet firmly attributed to Gillows, of rectangular form with two glazed doors retaining the original brass trelliswork centred on rosette...
Category
1820s English Regency Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Wood
Stamped Gillows of Lancaster Walnut Height Adjustable Fire Screen, circa 1850
By Waring
Gillow, Gillows of Lancaster
London, Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare original Gillows Lancaster circa 1850 height adjustable walnut fire screen
A very good looking and well made screen from pretty m...
Category
1850s English Victorian Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Walnut
$1,706 Sale Price
30% Off
Rare Pair of Gillows Lancaster English Oak Antique Victorian Bookcase Cupboards
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning near pair of original Victorian heavily hand carved oak library bookcase cabinets made by the world famous firm of Gillows of Lancaster & London
If you are in the market for the finest pair of English library bookcases...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Oak
A Large Carved Wood
Gesso Fireplace by Gillows of London
Lancaster
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in Southall, GB
A large hand carved and gesso fire place with over mantle, faux painted marble columns and frieze. With central plaque with Adams urn and foliate detail , th...
Category
1820s English Neoclassical Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Plaster, Softwood
Very Fine Gillows of Lancaster Antique Hardwood Pie Crust Claw
Ball End Table
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very fine antique mahogany pie crust edge tripod table from Gillows of Lancaster
A very good looking well made and decorative piece, it si...
Category
20th Century English Victorian Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Nest of Regency Specimen Wood Tables by Gillows of Lancaster
By Gillows of Lancaster
London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A nest of Regency specimen wood tables by Gillows of Lancaster, each with a rectangular top and rosewood edge, the largest decorated with an amboyna field within rosewood banding, th...
Category
1810s English Antique Gillows of Lancaster London Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Gillows Of Lancaster London furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Gillows of Lancaster
London furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Gillows of Lancaster
London furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Gillows of Lancaster
London were created in the Victorian style in europe during the 19th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Howard and Sons, Howard
Sons Ltd, and Bevan Funnell Ltd.. Prices for Gillows of Lancaster
London furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,450 and can go as high as $323,824, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,615.
Creators Similar to Gillows of Lancaster London
Questions About Gillows of Lancaster
London Furniture
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Gillows furniture was made in Lancaster and London, UK. The company is best known for producing ornate wood tables, cabinets and desks. Furniture-maker Robert Gillow started the company around 1730. You can find a selection of Gillows furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024To identify vintage furniture, you'll need to determine if its production year was 20 to 99 years ago. One way to do so is to research your piece. Start by finding maker's marks and looking them up on trusted online resources. Once you know the maker, you can then learn more about its history and offerings to get a rough idea of the approximate age of your item. Another option is to ask a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer to date your furniture. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of vintage furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To identify Gillows furniture, look for the brand's mark. Most pieces feature one, but locations vary. Look under the tabletop, along the edges of the drawers and on the backs of legs and bases. Typically, the mark appears as a stamp, but the company's artisans sometimes drew it in pencil. Find a variety of expertly vetted Gillows furniture on 1stDibs.
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