Our gorgeous early nineteenth century set of tabletop drawers are attributed to Gillows of Lancaster and comprise of two long and two short drawers, each retaining its original pair of turned wooden knobs. Veneered in figured walnut, cross-banded in exotic wood veneers and French polished, it is a stunner, and in wonderful condition. The two long drawers have brass locks with brass escutcheons, and the middle drawer contains divisions. See images.  No Gillows stamp is evident, yet the cabinetry - inside and out - displays all the high-end quality, style and design hallmarks of a Gillows piece of furniture.  

History

Gillows of Lancaster and London, also known as Gillow & Co were a furniture making firm founded in Lancaster, Lancashire in 1730 by Robert Gillow (1704–1772).  His two sons expanded the business to London and the firm quickly became recognized as one of the best cabinet makers of the time. By the 1740s, Gillows was chartering ships to import mahogany and rare woods from the West Indies and Jamaica, such as the woods used in this wonderful set of drawers. Their furniture is now much sort after.

Miniature furniture was made by apprentices, to showcase their cabinetry skills; and it was also used by travelling salesman, as scaled-down sample pieces of the types of furniture and finish that could be applied back in the workshop.  This mini chest of drawers could have served such a purpose.

Country of origin: UK

Date of manufacture: c.1820

Material: walnut, mahogany and exotic veneers

Dimensions: Height 32cm, Width 33cm, Depth 24cm

Condition: excellent