Rosewood Breakfront Side Cabinet Attributed to Gillows

Country: English

Date: Circa 1805 - 1815

Medium: Rosewood, Brass

Dimensions

Height: 91.44cm (36 inches)

Width: 168.00cm (66.14 inches)

Depth: 45.72cm (18 inches)

Main description

This Regency breakfront four-door side cabinet dates to circa 1805–1815 and is attributed to the esteemed cabinetmaking firm Gillows.

The shaped top is constructed from book-matched rosewood veneers of exceptional figure and quality. It is finished with the original gilt brass gallery, featuring an intricate, open-fret fan motif that spans the length of the top.

The breakfront frieze is decorated with rectangular boulle brass inlay panels across each section which sits above a tightly gadrooned moulding. Below, the cabinet features four doors fitted with silk-backed trellis-and-rosette wire grilles; these retain their original brass locks and escutcheons. The interior is configured with adjustable shelves, each lined with velvet.

The doors are divided by four fluted pilasters, carved in the solid from rosewood, and finished with scrolling corbels at the terminals. A gadrooned moulding runs along the apron, which is supported by six crisply turned and carved rosewood bun feet.

The attribution to the renowned firm of Gillows of Lancaster and London is supported by period design records. Similar elevations for library and drawing room cabinets are featured within a group of Gillows’ watercolour design drawings held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Furthermore, the specific execution of the boulle inlay relates closely to documented Gillows pieces, most notably the Regency brass-inlaid rosewood library desk from the Contents of Hackwood Park, Basingstoke, Hampshire: The Property of The Estate of the 2nd Viscount Camrose, Christie’s, 1998.

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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 Side Cabinet?

A side cabinet is a low or medium height storage cabinet designed to stand against a wall, typically incorporating cupboards, shelves and occasionally drawers. Widely used throughout the nineteenth century, side cabinets provided practical concealed storage while complementing the surrounding furniture within reception rooms and dining rooms.

For further information, see our Antique Furniture Types encyclopaedia on Cabinets and Sideboards.

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.

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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.