A William IV Rosewood Open Bookcase Attributed to Gillows, circa 1830s

An imposing open bookcase of exceptional quality. The bow-fronted top with outset ends and lotus-carved cornice over three bow-fronted, adjustable shelves flanked by two pairs of acanthus-carved and stop-reeded columns raised on a bow-fronted and outset pedestal base. Each side of the bookcase is fitted with a door and lock and key enclosing a cupboard with two shallow shelves.

In robust William IV style, this highly refined bookcase displays the quality of craftsmanship, innovative design, and availability of choice furniture timbers that were the hallmarks of the workshops of Gillows of Lancaster and London, a firm of upholsterers and cabinet makers that dominated the trade from the late eighteenth century through the nineteenth century. Besides producing high-quality furniture for a growing middle and upper-middle class clientele, Gillows were also overseas merchants and their businesses included trade in sugar, cotton, and exotic hardwoods, such as rosewood, most likely from Brazil.

Although unmarked this bookcase is highly likely from one of the Gillows workshops.