The Kidney Desk: A History

We are delighted to share one of our latest acquisitions: this very fine 19th century walnut kidney desk with ebonised moulding and parquetry inlay.  The green vellum lined top with its brass gallery surround stands above three frieze drawers and cupboard doors opening to reveal interior fitted drawers.  The reverse of the desk features central open …

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The Feet on Furniture: Spade Feet

We are continuing our Friday tradition where we take a close look at the feet on pieces of furniture in our collection to explore the different styles and motifs that were popular throughout the 18th century. Today we are focusing on the spade foot: this form derives inspiration from its name, the spade, and is …

It Runs in the Family: The Incredible Gillows Family of Cabinetmakers

Today we are shining a spotlight on one of the most successful cabinetmaking firms of the 18th and 19th century: Gillows of Lancaster & London.  (For information on other cabinetmakers, look here: Thomas Chippendale, William Gomm, and Pierre Langlois).  The Gillows family firm was established in Lancaster as early as the 1730s.  Throughout the eighteenth …

Take a Closer Look: A Set of Chairs with a Curious Stamp

English antique furniture from the 18th century, unlike its French counterpart, is rarely signed, stamped, or otherwise inscribed with the cabinetmaker's name.   There are, of course, exceptions to the rule.  The impressive suite of red japanned furniture made for Lazcano Palace by Giles Grendey features Grendey's trade label on several pieces of the suite (we …