GEORGIAN MAHOGANY ANTIQUE SECRETAIRE BOOKCASE ATTRIBUTED TO GILLOWS
DESCRIPTION
A fine quality George III figured mahogany secretaire bookcase attributed to Gillows of Lancaster & London, comprising of upper bookcase compartment, writing desk compartment and lower cupboard storage space.
The glazed bookcase doors each have astragal moulding and are framed with satinwood crossbanding and boxwood and ebony string inlay, finished with brass astragal moulding and shield shaped inlaid bone key escutcheons. Inside the bookcase cupboard are 3 shelves, with fourteen slots allowing the shelves to be adjusted to different heights.
The cornice has boxwood and ebony triangular shaped inlay, with mahogany cushion moulding and satinwood crossbanding, and the frieze has fan and shell marquetry inlays.
Opening the drawer reveals a secretaire writing compartment which has a green baize writing surface and 10 satinwood drawers, each with decorative gilt brass knobs. There is an inkwell to one of the drawers, and 5 arched pigeon holes and a longer open compartment, ideal for storing a laptop.
The drawer face has a large shell inlay to the centre, with fan inlays to the corners and applied double reeded moulding finished with spear shape design. The drawer has satinwood crossbanding with ebony and boxwood string inlay, edged with cockbeaded moulding, and brass ring rope twist handles.
The lower section stands on bracket feet and has triple reeded moulding and consists of two doors, each with the same design as the drawer front. Inside the cupboard is a large storage space with a single height adjustable shelf.
The doors and drawers all have working locks and come with keys. The secretaire bookcase comes in two sections making it easy to move around.
Height - 228.5 cm (90 inches)
Width - 124 cm (48 ¾ inches)
Depth - 54.5 cm (21 ½ inches)
Circa - 1800
£3,800
Gillows of Lancaster & London was founded in 1730 by Robert Gillow who was a cabinet maker from humble beginnings. He had direct access to exotic and top quality imported timber from the West Indies and created the finest quality furniture. In 1757 Robert went in to partnership with his son Richard who was an architect and a good businessmen with ambition who rebuilt the workshops and woodstores. In 1768 Robert I son Robert II joined the family business opening a shop in Oxford Street London. Gillows of Lancaster and London had a renowned reputation for their quality of work and helped furnish many aristocratic houses and are regarded as one of the best British furniture makers of all time.
Delivery is included in the price for most of the mainland UK. If you are interested in purchasing and are outside the UK mainland or in the Scottish Highlands please get in touch first for a shipping quote. If you are an overseas buyer please contact us with your address so we can provide you with an accurate shipping quote and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Certain small and light items will be delivered within a couple of working days which are provided with a tracking number and are usually next day delivery services. They are packaged to a high standard, double boxed, bubble wrapped and bedded in foam. Our preferred courier is Parcelforce, however we may send with a different courier occasionally. Items like mantel clocks, smaller ceiling lights and wall lights, table lamps and miscellaneous items usually come in to this category. If you are unsure the item you are interested in comes under our small policy for next day delivery service please get in touch.
Larger and heavier items are delivered by a trustworthy carrier and we aim to deliver within two weeks of purchase, but please allow three weeks. We use smaller carrier companies which take a bit longer but we would rather your item arrives at your door safely. Like our small items, our larger items are packaged well and protected.