A Fine Rosewood Bergère Armchair Firmly Attributed to Gillows, c.1830

The broadly rectangular form of this chair is ornamented with curving cabriole back legs, reeded and anthemion carved front legs and sinuous arm rests. Crafted from the finest rosewood, the rails are panelled and the chair retains its original Cope’s Patent castors.

Although unsigned, there is no doubt whatsoever that this chair was made by Gillows of Lancaster and in all probability it was made by the brothers John and Robert Lawson. In her book Gillows of Lancaster and London 1730-1840, Dr. Susan Stuart discusses a related suite of furniture made for

Stair-Haythorn Stewart of Glasserton House in Scotland. Describing this as ‘one of Gillow and Co’s most important nineteenth century Scottish commissions’, Stuart illustrates a set of chairs made for Glasserton in 1823 and then a related bergère (p.222, plate 206). This chair has the same panelled rails as our examples, the same anthemion knees and very similar turned and reeded legs. Stuart posits the idea that this chair might also have been part of the Glasserton commission, supplied in 1823, and notes that the chair has stamped Cope’s castors. Although it may well be the case that this chair was supplied to Glasserton, it is highly unlikely that the chair was supplied as early as 1823. Our research in the newspaper archives has uncovered a series of adverts taken out by the Cope firm in 1829, such as one in Aris’s Birmingham Gazette, 21st of December of that year, which reads as follows:

‘CAUTION: COPE’S NEW PATENT CASTOR

The patentee having learned that other manufacturers have been adopting the principal of the above patent, deems it necessary to give this public notice, that legal proceedings will be commenced against every person who is hereafter found infringing upon his patent right.

1. B. All castors sent from his manufactory upon the new principle are marked “Cope’s Patent”.

40, Fleet Street, Birmingham, Dec. 13, 1829′

It seems unlikely therefore that Cope’s castors would have been made as early as 1823 and therefore the chair illustrated by Stuart is unlikely to pre-date 1829. It is on that basis, as well as stylistic grounds, that we date our chair to c.1830.

Stuart notes that the Gillows workbooks credit John Lawson with the production of the specimen chair for the Glasserton commission and other examples from the suite are signed by Robt. Lawson, John’s brother, on the rails. It is therefore highly likely that our piece, with its distinct affinities with that suite, was also made by the brothers in the Lancaster workshops.

Our chair is a highly impressive and unusual model by one of the great English furniture makers. It is sure to enhance any collection.