Writing table
attributed to Gillow and Co
Category
Furniture
Date
circa 1825
Materials
Rosewood, oak, brass
Measurements
73 cm (H); 94 cm (W); 59 cm (D)
Place of origin
London
Order this imageCollection
Speke Hall, Merseyside
NT 1195724
Summary
A rosewood writing table, attributed to Gillows of Lancaster, circa 1825. The rectangular top, originally with a leather inset writing surface and with carved edge raised on twin end supports with lappet carved turned columns with gadrooned collars and fluted lower columns, each joining a plinth and with lion's paw feet and castors.
Full description
The carved rosewood end supports reflect the use of bold high relief carving which can be seen on furniture produced by Gillows in the 1820s and 1830s. Similar carving can be seen on the tables sold Christie's Belton House, Lincolnshire (The property of The Lord Brownlow), 30 April - 2 May, 1984, lot 90 and Sotheby's London, 17 November 2010, lot 194.A pedestal table, also in the Speke collection has a very similar column support which can be attributed to the Gillows workshops (NT 1195718). (James Weedon 2019)
Provenance
Speke Hall and its contents were bequeathed, as a secondary devise, to the National Trust by Adelaide Watt (d.1921) in 1943. Speke was initially bequeathed to the Norris family (who built the original house during the 16th century). It was then leased to Liverpool City Council and later to the Museums Department of Merseyside County Council. The National Trust took over direct management of the house and its contents in 1986.
Makers and roles
attributed to Gillow and Co, furniture maker attributed to Gillow of Lancaster , furniture maker
References
Stuart, Susan 'Gillows of Lancaster and London 1730 - 1840' (2008) 2 vols., pg.337