ATTTRIBUTED TO GILLOWS OF LONDON AND LANCASTER, CIRCA 1805

Details

A LATE GEORGE III MAHOGANY SECRETAIRE-BOOKCASE
ATTTRIBUTED TO GILLOWS OF LONDON AND LANCASTER, CIRCA 1805
The moulded reeded cornice of breakfront outline above three lancet-glazed cupboard doors enclosing six adjustable shelves and flanked by reeded pilasters, the lower section with a secretaire drawer opening out to reveal a green baize-lined writing slide with ratchetted adjustable height, a fitted drawer with ivory handle, inkwell and six wenge-wood cross-banded and inlaid pigeon holes decorated with the letters of the alphabet, with two further secret compartments to the back of the interior, below a cupboard and fitted cellaret drawer flanked by two further cupboards to either side on an integral plinth base, the handles later
97 in. (246 cm.) high; 69 in. (175 cm.) wide; 24¼ in. (62 cm.) deep

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

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Lot Essay

With its distinctive 'Grecian' reeded columns, this secretaire closely recalls the set of six bookcases delivered by Gillows in around 1805 for Captain William Vaughan's Library at Rug, Corwen, Merioneth in North Wales (illustrated in Susan Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London 1730-1840, Woodbridge, 2008, p.92, pl.51). Rug was designed by the architects Joseph Bonomi and Samuel Wyatt - and it was almost certainly through the latter that the commission came to Gillows.

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