9989 An unusual and extensive William IV mahogany medal or collectors’ cabinet attributed to Gillows, the pair of flame veneered doors with a cross-banded border, opening to reveal an arrangement of 56 drawers, mostly of the same height but lower drawers deeper, standing on original turned feet. The trays; internal measurements W 45cm D 33.5cm.
English, attributed to Gillows of Lancaster
1830
Height: 40 ins (101 cms)
Width: 40.5 ins (103 cms)
Depth: 17.75 ins (45 cms) £7,500
Description
Although this collectors or medal cabinet is not stamped, it can be firmly attributed to the cabinet maker Gillows of Lancaster on the basis of quality and design. The port of Lancaster was a major point for transatlantic trade, particularly with the West Indies. The access to imported exotic timbers and particularly mahogany logs, gave Gillows the opportunity to work with the finest mahogany veneers available. The reputation of the firm was based on this but enhanced by the very fine quality of craftsmanship working in the most current styles.
The Gillows style is synonymous with this neo classical Regency style. Straight lines overall, the panels detailed with cross banding and fine moulding, locks, hinges and drawers beautifully made.
This cabinet is particularly unusual having fifty six drawers or trays, extremely rare in this scale. This gives a possible internal area of at least 8.5 sq metres or 90 sq feet! The lower drawers are much deeper and would allow between 3 and 6 more layers of trays per drawer if required. Suitable for a very large collection.
