Lot Essay
This highly functional pedestal-desk was a popular type of furniture manufactured by Gillows of London and Lancaster. Its writing-drawer features lidded compartments with inlaid alphabet-inscribed medallions, and is designed after a fashion popularised by Thomas Shearer's, The Cabinet Maker's London Book of Prices, of which three editions were published between 1788 and 1803. A pattern for a very similar desk with a rising ratchet-supported top features in the firm's 1798 Estimate Sketch Book (p.1481) preserved in the Westminster City Library.
A very similar pedestal desk was sold anonymously in these Rooms, 7 October 1993, lot 113, and a further similar desk, stamped 'Gillows of Lancaster' was offered anonymously, Christie's Scotland, 12 May 1993, lot 378.
A very similar pedestal desk was sold anonymously in these Rooms, 7 October 1993, lot 113, and a further similar desk, stamped 'Gillows of Lancaster' was offered anonymously, Christie's Scotland, 12 May 1993, lot 378.