18th Century George III Period Mahogany Secretary Library Bookcase By Gillows Of Lancaster

A magnificent late 18th century, George III period six door breakfront library bookcase. Constructed in the finest quality figured mahogany, having a molded cornice above six astragal glazed doors enclosing adjustable shelves. The lower breakfront middle section with well figured secretary drawer enclosing an arrangement of compartments under the sliding tooled leather inset writing surface. This desk has secret compartments under the writing surface. All above six beautiful figured mahogany paneled doors revealing adjustable shelves, terminating on a molded plinth base. The middle drawer is reassuredly stamped Gillows of Lancaster, which you can view in the photo. Outstanding color and patina. Both its size, style and exceptional quality of timber would suggest it to have been created as a special commission. The Gillow family of cabinet makers and upholsterers came to prominence with Richard Gillow (1733 – 1811), the son of Robert Gillow, founder of the firm. Gillow's reputation as one of the leading British cabinet making firms of the 18th and 19th centuries was established by contributions from some ten members of the family over three generations. During the 18th century, the Gillow firm established a reputation for producing the highest quality furniture, made by competent workmen from the best woods, in elegant but practical styles. These sometimes incorporated ingenious devices. Gillows produced good, solid well-made furniture and were the only 18th century cabinet makers to establish and maintain a branch in both London (opened 1770) and the provinces. The Gillow Archives (now in the City of Westminster Archives Centre) comprises mainly the business records of the Lancaster branch from about 1728 to 1932 and include estimated sketches and memorandum books from 1759 to 1905. They are the longest and largest cabinet maker's records to have survived in the world.