Regency Rosewood Sofas Attributed to Gillows

Country: England

Date: Circa 1820 - 1830

Medium: Rosewood

Dimensions

Height: 87.00cm (34.25 inches)

Width: 198.00cm (77.95 inches)

Depth: 64.00cm (25.2 inches)

Main description

A rare pair of Regency rosewood sofas attributed to Gillows of Lancaster & London, dating from circa 1820 to 1830 and designed by the London upholsterer and furniture designer John Taylor. The design corresponds with Taylor’s published ‘Dress Sofa’, illustrated in Rudolph Ackermann’s Repository of Arts in 1821, making this an important example of early nineteenth century English furniture design.

The camel back frames are crisply carved throughout, with an inverted shell carved to the centre of each back, a feature closely associated with the workshops of Gillows. The rear of each sofa is finished with rosewood veneers, allowing the pair to stand freely within a room.

The boldly carved upright arms reflect John Taylor’s distinctive designs, incorporating floral carving and Grecian motifs that complement the reeded legs. Each sofa stands on its original gilt brass capped castors, completing the balanced Regency proportions.

Of diminutive scale, the sofas retain their unusual original designed side cushions, a feature that works particularly well with their proportions. They are upholstered in a Regency striped fabric and have been recently re-upholstered and recovered while preserving the character of the original design.

John Taylor traded from Bedford Crescent, Covent Garden, London, between 1821 and 1829 as an upholsterer and furniture designer. Before establishing his own business he was employed by the Royal Cabinet Maker George Oakley, and several of his sofa and chair designs were published in Rudolph Ackermann’s Repository of Arts between 1821 and 1824.

View the complete Freshfords Seating collection.

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Who Were Gillows of Lancaster and London?

Gillows of Lancaster and London were among Britain’s most celebrated cabinet makers, producing exceptional furniture from the Georgian period through to the early twentieth century. Established around 1730, the firm earned an international reputation for outstanding cabinet making, innovative designs and meticulous craftsmanship, with surviving furniture remaining highly sought after by collectors today.

For further information, see our Makers and Retailers encyclopaedia on Gillows of Lancaster and London.

What Is a Sofa?

A sofa is a long upholstered seat designed to accommodate multiple people in comfort. Throughout the Georgian, Regency, Victorian and Edwardian periods, sofas evolved from relatively formal show wood designs into increasingly comfortable upholstered seating, becoming a principal feature of drawing rooms and reception rooms.

For further information, see our Antique Furniture Types encyclopaedia on Seating.

What Is Rosewood?

Rosewood is a richly coloured tropical hardwood prized for its deep brown tones, darker figuring and natural lustre. During the Regency and Victorian periods, it became one of the most desirable cabinet making timbers, widely used for high quality furniture, writing tables, musical instruments and decorative veneers.

For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Rosewood.

What Is the Regency Period?

The Regency period (1811-1820) formed the closing years of the Georgian era and was defined by refined classical design inspired by ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt. Furniture from the period often features bold veneers, clean architectural lines and restrained decorative details in brass, ebony and gilt bronze.

For further information, see our Antique Furniture Periods encyclopaedia on the Georgian Period.

What Is the George IV Period?

The George IV period (1820-1830) marked the height of the British Regency style, combining classical elegance with increasing richness in materials and decoration. Influenced by architects and designers such as John Nash and Thomas Hope, furniture from the period is recognised for its bold proportions, finely figured mahogany and rosewood veneers, brass inlay, carved ornament and refined neoclassical design.

For further information, see our Antique Furniture Periods encyclopaedia on the Georgian Period.

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Why Buy From Freshfords Antiques?

Established in 1987, Freshfords Antiques has spent nearly four decades sourcing and curating the finest examples of English antique furniture. Our reputation is built upon a deep-rooted specialism in the Georgian and Regency periods, where we focus on selecting pieces that retain their genuine age, original patination, and unimpeachable authenticity. We believe that an antique should not only be a significant historical object but also a functional and beautiful addition to a contemporary home.

As proud members of the British Antique Dealers’ Association (BADA), we operate under a rigorously enforced code of conduct that prioritises professional integrity and expertise. Membership of BADA is only granted after a thorough election procedure and is subject to annual review, ensuring that our clients can purchase with complete confidence. When you acquire a piece from Freshfords, you are benefiting from a wealth of experience, a dedication to craftsmanship, and a commitment to preserving the heritage of the finest English cabinet making.