Full Description
A very fine and elegant mahogany library chair with wide swept and scrolled top rail and long fluted and turned legs. Original brass casters and the back leg stamped with W.B and registration number 6781. For William Barrow and Gillows Registration Number.
In exceptional original condition with no breaks, damage or restorations. A few minor and very small dings and knocks consistent with age and use. The chair fairly recently upholstered in a pale pink heavyweight damask with no marks or wear and in very good condition also.
Robert Gillow began making cabinet furniture in 1731 after an apprenticeship as a joiner and cabinetmaker. His two sons joined him in the business and they expanded to London where the quality and fine work of their furniture earned them the reputation of the best cabinet makers of their time both for their innovations and designs and for their superior cabinet work. They often made and designed upholstered chairs, and employed their own upholsterers and cabinetmakers. William Barrow junior and John Barrow were the sons of William Barrow senior who is recorded as working as a cabinetmaker for Gillows in the 1730s and by 1830 both sons are also listed as working for Gillows as cabinetmakers . William Barrow junior became a freeman in 1837 and left Gillows prior to 1840.
