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(Above photo - Antique Gillow Side Cabinet Sideboard - Gillows and Co 1880)
Gillows of Lancaster and London, one of England’s most esteemed furniture makers, left a lasting legacy from the 18th to the 19th centuries, creating timeless, elegant designs that are still highly sought after. Renowned for their quality craftsmanship, innovative designs, and use of superior materials, Gillows furniture has distinct features that set it apart from other period pieces. This article explores the main features that characterize authentic Gillows furniture and make it a treasured part of British furniture history.
(Above photo - Victorian Dining Table Extending Mahogany Gillows of Lancaster 1880)
High-Quality Wood: Gillows was known for using only the finest materials, especially high-quality mahogany from the West Indies, as well as rosewood and oak. Mahogany became a signature of Gillows furniture due to its durability, rich tone, and smooth finish. Attention to Detail: The Gillows craftsmen took immense pride in their work, using detailed carving, inlay, and veneers. They executed intricate designs without compromising strength, ensuring pieces could stand the test of time. Construction Techniques: Gillows employed advanced joinery techniques, like mortise-and-tenon joints, and used wooden dowels rather than nails for a seamless appearance. This attention to construction added both beauty and durability to their work.
(Above photo - Mahogany Serving Table Gillows Buffet 1880)
Unique and Functional Designs: Gillows pioneered innovative furniture that met the needs of modern living. They developed functional designs like the "Gillows writing table" with a pull-out writing surface, and the extending dining table, both novel in their time. Adaptable Styles: While Gillows often crafted pieces in the neoclassical style, they also adapted to other popular styles of their day, including Georgian, Regency, and Victorian. They seamlessly combined traditional elegance with subtle nods to contemporary trends, creating timeless pieces that appeal to various tastes. Inventive Furniture Forms: Gillows produced some unique and specialized pieces, such as campaign furniture, designed for travel and easy assembly, and "gentleman’s" library chairs with an innovative reclining mechanism for comfort. Many of these ideas would later inspire similar pieces in mainstream British furniture design.
(Above photo - Victorian Dumb Waiter Bookcase Gillows and Co 1840)
Carved and Reeded Legs: A hallmark of Gillows furniture, especially on chairs, sofas, and tables, is its elegantly carved legs. Often turned or reeded, Gillows legs frequently end in brass casters for mobility and a touch of elegance. Cabriole Legs and Paw Feet: Gillows popularized the use of the cabriole leg, typically associated with French Rococo furniture, lending a graceful curve to their chairs and tables. Paw feet, often carved to resemble animal claws, were another signature element, adding a bold touch to their pieces. Decorative Inlays and Marquetry: Inlaid woods and veneers added sophistication, while intricate marquetry work using contrasting woods introduced patterns and depth. This detail-oriented approach is particularly evident in desks, cabinets, and sideboards from Gillows.
(Above photo - Gillows Dining Table Victorian Mahogany Extending 1860)
Use of Brass Mounts and Handles: The use of brass fittings was another distinctive feature, especially in campaign furniture, desks, and drawer handles. Brass fittings and handles were often cast in unique designs, such as oval shapes or handles with decorative backplates, which gave their pieces a refined look. Brass Casters: Many Gillows chairs, sofas, and tables feature brass casters, allowing furniture to be easily moved while adding a luxurious accent. These casters were not just practical but also designed to complement the overall style of the piece.
(Above photo - Mahogany Gillows Sideboard Antique Regency 1820)
Symmetry and Proportion: Gillows furniture reflects the Georgian preference for balanced proportions, harmony, and symmetry. Even though they adapted to changing styles, Gillows maintained a classic elegance in their furniture, which was always in line with the tastes of Britain’s aristocracy and wealthy clientele. Neoclassical Motifs: Inspired by classical Greek and Roman designs, Gillows incorporated motifs like acanthus leaves, laurel wreaths, and rosettes into their furniture, giving pieces an air of stateliness without overpowering simplicity.
Polished Mahogany: The characteristic deep, rich finish on Gillows’ mahogany pieces is achieved through skillful polishing. The furniture was meticulously sanded, stained, and then polished to a high gloss, which not only highlighted the beauty of the wood grain but also provided a protective finish. Oil and Wax Finishes: Other popular finishes included oil and wax, which provided a subtle sheen while enhancing the wood’s natural tones. These finishes aged gracefully, giving antique Gillows furniture an appealing patina over time.
Gillows Stamp: Genuine Gillows furniture often carries a stamp, usually on the inside of a drawer or on the underside of the piece. The stamp might read “Gillow” or “Gillows of Lancaster,” confirming authenticity and origin. Workmen’s Signatures: Some Gillows pieces also bear the initials or signatures of individual craftsmen. This practice was somewhat unique, as it emphasized the pride that Gillows artisans took in their work and allowed later generations to identify specific makers within the Gillows workshop. Serial Numbers and Labels: Later in their production, particularly in the 19th century, pieces occasionally bore serial numbers or other marks to indicate model numbers or specific designs. These labels further establish the piece’s provenance and place within the Gillows catalog.
Enduring Quality and Collectability: Today, Gillows furniture is highly prized for its durability, timeless appeal, and craftsmanship. The meticulous quality of their pieces has allowed many to survive in excellent condition, making them favorites among collectors. Influence on British Furniture Design: The designs and craftsmanship of Gillows set standards that other furniture makers aspired to. Gillows not only influenced British furniture but also had a ripple effect across Europe and America, where furniture makers adopted similar techniques and stylistic elements. Inspiration for Modern Replicas: Many modern furniture makers take inspiration from Gillows’ designs. Reproductions often emphasize similar clean lines, functional beauty, and quality materials, though few match the mastery and originality of Gillows’ original pieces.
Gillows furniture stands out for its exceptional craftsmanship, quality materials, innovative design, and timeless beauty. From elegant mahogany desks and finely crafted tables to unique campaign furniture, Gillows pieces embody the height of British design from the Georgian through the Victorian era. The company’s emphasis on quality, originality, and comfort created an enduring legacy that has captivated antique collectors and furniture enthusiasts for centuries. Whether in a private collection or displayed in a stately home, Gillows furniture remains a lasting testament to the artistry of British cabinetmaking.
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