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Amboyna Burl Kidney Desk with Gilt Bronze, attributed to Gillows, circa 1870

$52,386.19

£38,500

€44,984.08

CA$72,437.01

A$78,839.23

CHF 42,128.87

MX$952,077.15

NOK 529,456.78

SEK 492,456.41

DKK 336,052.19

About the Item

This magnificent kidney-shaped desk, attributed to the prestigious Gillows workshops, represents the epitome of Victorian craftsmanship and luxury. Created around 1870, this exceptional desk showcases the masterful blending of exotic materials and superior construction techniques that made Gillows England's most celebrated furniture-making firm. The piece is constructed from costly amboyna burl—one of the most precious and sought-after veneers of the period—creating a rich, swirling grain pattern that captivates the eye. The kidney desk features elaborate decorative elements that demonstrate Gillows' unparalleled attention to detail. Bois noirci crossbanding frames the amboyna panels, interspersed with delicate lozenge medallions and fine boxwood stringing that create striking linear contrasts against the warm, golden tones of the burl. The desk is dressed throughout with splendid gilt bronze mounts that add both visual opulence and functional hardware, elevating this piece to the highest level of Victorian design. The desk's distinctive kidney form—a graceful, curved shape that was highly fashionable in the 19th century—sits upon a shaped plinth of conforming design adorned with elegant egg-and-dart moulding, a classical motif that adds architectural refinement. The front of the desk features a practical arrangement of nine drawers, providing ample storage for correspondence, writing materials, and documents, while the reverse offers open shelving for books or decorative objects, making this a truly functional piece designed to be appreciated from all sides. The top of this kidney desk is fitted with an inset of rich, tooled leather that provides a luxurious writing surface, both practical and beautiful. Most striking is the arcaded and pierced gilt bronze three-quarter gallery that frames the desktop—an elaborate architectural element featuring repeating arched forms that add both visual interest and a protective border for items placed on the desk surface. This gallery work demonstrates the sophisticated metalwork capabilities of the Gillows workshops. This desk can be attributed to Gillows with considerable confidence. The Gillows Archives, preserved in the City of Westminster Library, document this unique kidney desk design from the 1850s onwards, confirming that this form was part of the firm's repertoire during the Victorian period. Although the piece is unsigned—not uncommon for Gillows furniture of this era—the construction methods and exceptional quality are unmistakably characteristic of the firm. The masterful blending of precious materials, the sophisticated use of contrasting veneers and inlays, and the overall level of craftsmanship all point directly to the Gillows workshops. Gillows of London and Lancaster was founded by Robert Gillow in 1730 and grew to become perhaps the greatest English furniture-making firm, thriving throughout the 18th and 19th centuries until it merged with Waring Co. in 1900. The business earned a stellar reputation for exquisite craftsmanship and cutting-edge designs, initially gaining fame for mahogany furniture before expanding to work with increasingly exotic and precious materials like the amboyna burl used in this desk. Robert Gillow established showrooms in both Lancaster and London, strategically positioning the firm to attract a diverse and affluent clientele that included the State, landed gentry, and the prosperous middle class. Robert's sons, Richard and Robert, carried on his legacy with the same commitment to quality and innovation. By the mid-19th century, when this desk was created, Gillows had become England's largest furniture manufacturer, yet maintained the high standards of craftsmanship that had built their reputation. The firm left an enduring legacy with over 20,000 preserved designs in their archives and examples of their work in royal collections and museums worldwide. This kidney desk would have been commissioned by a wealthy patron for a library, study, or private office—a statement piece that combined practical function with extraordinary beauty. The kidney form was particularly popular because it allowed the user to sit comfortably within the curve while having easy access to all the drawers and the desktop surface. The open shelving at the back meant the desk could be positioned in the center of a room or against a wall with equal effect. The desk remains in excellent condition with its original gilt bronze mounts, tooled leather surface, and rich amboyna veneers beautifully preserved. The drawers operate smoothly, and the elaborate gallery retains its crisp detail. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a Gillows design in one of the most luxurious material combinations available during the Victorian era—a true masterpiece of 19th-century English furniture craftsmanship. English, circa 1870 Dimensions: H: 30 in / 76 cm W: 54 in / 136 cm D: 28 in / 71 cm

Attributed to:
Gillows of Lancaster London (Cabinetmaker)
Dimensions:
Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 54 in (137.16 cm)Depth: 28 in (71.12 cm)
Style:
Victorian (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Amboyna,Ormolu
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1870
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: 93681stDibs: LU954747427552

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Amboyna Burl Kidney Desk with Gilt Bronze, attributed to Gillows, circa 1870

About the Item

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