Exceptional: pair of Gillows of Lancaster chiffoniers (circa 1830)

Chests of drawers, bedside tables, and occasional furniture are made of flamed mahogany, accented with marble. The stamp on two drawers places them between 1790 and 1840! Gillows of Lancaster is a prestigious English firm founded in 1730. The brand, which has become iconic, is even cited by writers such as Jane Austeen and Thackeray. Its history is documented (see Wikipedia). Synonymous with excellence, Gillows worked extensively with wood imported from the Caribbean colonies. Here, we have flamed mahogany with an incredible patina. The contrast with the marble is quite striking, both in the finish and in the proportions of the furniture itself. They are in two parts: at the top, two drawers with elegant moldings and a simple brass lock (without a key), topped with a marble slab with a cornice. At the bottom, four drawers of varying sizes create a dynamic look—and a time-consuming process. The whole rests on molded plinths. On the outside of the upper sections, there is a molded mahogany rosette, with a metal ball in its center that forms a coat hook. On the other side, in the lower section, there is a retractable shelf (again, the finishes are meticulous) with a small wooden handle. Note an added drawer handle, the absence of casters, and an accessory on each piece, the location of which can be seen at the very bottom (see photos). As this model is not offered for sale anywhere, I was unable to identify these accessories. Two tiny losses to the veneer on the back and bottom of the pieces (almost invisible). Signs of wear due to age, but these pieces are stable, solid, and in excellent overall condition. It is rare to find Gillows from this period, especially in pairs. English elegance! H: 102 cm. W: 88 cm. D: 49 cm.