Relevant categories: Desks,Tables,Cabinets and Chests,Bookcases
(Above photo - Antique Gillow Side Cabinet Sideboard - Gillows & Co 1880 )
Gillows & Co is an 18th-century English furniture maker with operations in Lancashire, Lancaster, and London. It was established by Robert Gillows in Lancaster in 1730. Known for producing high-quality furniture, Gillows & Co was operated by the family up to 1814, when a different group of investors assumed control. The other name of the company was Gillows of Lancaster and London.
History
(Above photo - Antique Gillows Painted Display Cabinet Bookcase Circa 1890 ) The story of the company had started earlier in 1718 when Robert Gillow became a joinery apprentice in Lancaster. By 1728, he was ready to enter into a partnership with George Haresnape, a cabinet maker. They operated the business together until 1730, which Robert opened his own business in Castle Hill Lancaster.
(Above photo - Pinterest Gillows Of Lancaster & London Table - Gillow & Co ) At that time, the West Indies trade was just picking up. Robert would export mahogany furniture and import sugar and rum. Because of his West Indies connections, he became one of the pioneer cabinet makers to use exotic wood in making furniture. He also had access to European woods such as oak, thanks to his connections in the Baltic States. As a father of many sons, Robert wanted the business to continue after he was gone. So, he sent Richard, one of his sons, to London to study architecture. He recognized that without an in-depth knowledge of interior design and furnishing, his cabinetmaking business couldn’t succeed. When Richard returned in 1757, he joined the family business together with his brother Robert II. Gillows & Co became more than just cabinetmakers since they also dabbled in architecture.
(Above photo - Regency Gillows Writing Table Desk Leather Top Bureau ) In 1764, Gilllows & Co opened a branch in London on Oxford Street. Due to the firm’s astute workmanship, it soon gained a reputation for supplying furniture of the highest quality to the country’s richest. The company’s designs targeted the fledgling upper middle class and the English gentry. Slowly, the business shifted its operations to London, where most of its partners were located.
(Above photo - Antique Mahogany Gillows Wine Rack Side Table ) They learned to adapt the latest designs in London to meet their customers’ demand for the finest furniture. But that doesn’t mean that the firm didn’t have its ingenious designs. Existing evidence shows that some of the Gillows designs were later copied and published in books by other designers. So, the company was way ahead of the times. During the Victorian period, Gillows & Co went into some financial problems. It partnered with Waring a firm from Liverpool, with the name of the company changing to Waring and Gillow Ltd. Soon, the new company opened a magnificent store on Oxford Street, London. The store was not only the go-to place for the best furniture but it was also a great example in interior design. In conformity with the times, the company had to make Art Deco furniture, which was less glamorous.
(Above photo - Regency Gillows Desk - Writing Table Mahogany Bureau Office ) Thanks to the company’s belief in producing the best possible furniture, their products are on display in museums in Auckland, Adelaide, Leeds, London, and Melbourne. Some of the pieces of furniture can be found and bought in antique shops. You can walk into any of these shops and get a truly historic piece of furniture.
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