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Lot Essay
This wardrobe can be firmly attributed to Gillows due to certain features of its design, such as the flame-figured mahogany framed in reed-banded and Grecian-fretted tablets: A related pattern is illustrated in the firm's 1801-22 Estimate Sketch Book, p. 1784. A known example by Gillows which incorporates this motif is the 'Handsome ... Wing Wardrobe' supplied to William Powlett, 2nd Baron Bolton (1782-1850) for Hackwood, later sold by the late 2nd Viscount Camrose, Christie's house sale, Hackwood Park, Hampshire, 18-22 April 1998, lot 368. The same vase-shaped stump feet also appear on a low wardrobe pattern in the Estimate Sketch Books (see N. Goodison & J. Hardy, 'Gillows at Tatton Park', Furniture History, 1970, pl. 11A).
The name 'John Davison' inscribed on the base of one drawer of this wardrobe lends further solidity to the attribution of this piece to Gillows. Morton John Davison (1778-1841) inherited Beamish Park, Co. Durham in 1812. He remodelled the house from 1813 and equipped it with new furniture, much of it supplied by Gillows. The pencil inscription on the underside of one drawer may well refer to the patron. Twenty-nine lots were sold from Bavington Hall, Northumberland, originally from Beamish Park, Co. Durham, by Mrs R. D. Shafto, Christie's, London, 21 September 1995 (lots 140-178).
The name 'John Davison' inscribed on the base of one drawer of this wardrobe lends further solidity to the attribution of this piece to Gillows. Morton John Davison (1778-1841) inherited Beamish Park, Co. Durham in 1812. He remodelled the house from 1813 and equipped it with new furniture, much of it supplied by Gillows. The pencil inscription on the underside of one drawer may well refer to the patron. Twenty-nine lots were sold from Bavington Hall, Northumberland, originally from Beamish Park, Co. Durham, by Mrs R. D. Shafto, Christie's, London, 21 September 1995 (lots 140-178).