Lot Essay
Although unmarked by a journeyman's name or the stamp of the firm of Gillows, this pair of open bookcases display characteristics found in furniture made by the Lancaster and London firm of Gillows. These include the richly-carved scrolled trusses, elaborate moulded pilasters, superb choice of mahogany, and simplicity of design. The reeded pilasters and acanthus-wrapped trusses reflect the antique or Grecian style that was fashionable around 1810. Similar library furnishings were supplied by Gillows to Mere Hall, Cheshire in 1815 (see Christie's house sale catalogue, Mere Hall, 23 May 1994, lots 188-192). A rosewood low open breakfront bookcase of related form, almost certainly supplied by Gillows to Luke Dillon, 2nd Lord Clonbrock for his new Library at his ancestral home at Clonbrock, was sold by his descendant, Mr and Mrs Luke Dillon-Mahon, Clonbrock, Co. Galway, Christie's house sale, 1 November 1976, lot 61 (illustrated). A single low open breakfront bookcase with doors at each end, attributed to Gillows, was sold anonymously, Christie's, London, 9 June 2005, lot 271 (£26,400).