19th Century Bonheur De Jour Writing Desk By Gillows Of Lancaster & London

~ 19th Century Bonheur De Jour Writing Desk By Gillows Of Lancaster & London ~

A fine Bonheur De Jour or secretaire writing desk by the high quality furniture making firm Gillows of Lancaster & London. The piece dates to around the mid 1800’s.

We acquired this piece along with some other items that were owned by the artist Gwen John (1876-1939), Sister of the artist Augustus John
(1878-1961).

The piece is satinwood veneered and ebony strung with ebonised wood edges.

The desk has a cabinet top, with a glazed cupboard to the centre flanked by two smaller cupboards with solid doors. The doors feature inlaid
decoration of urns with wreath style borders. The cupboard surrounds have inlaid decoration of a floral nature.

Below the desk is a drawer which opens to reveal an adjustable height writing slope with leather finish and supplementary side compartments
for pens and ink.

The drawer front features more of the inlaid decoration this time of flowers, garlands and bows and has two brass ring handles.

The inner edge of the drawer has the all important ‘Gillows’ stamp.

The piece has slim tapering legs again with inlaid decoration.

The piece comes with the two keys, which lock the cupboards and drawer.

There is some handwriting to the reverse with a signature (not legible) initials that appear to read ‘JG’ (possibly G for Gillows) and a date of ‘11/1/92’. Whether this has anything to do with the makers or simply a later addition we do not know.

~ Dimensions ~

The piece measures 69cm (27 inches) by 46cm (18 inches) with a height of 119cm (47 inches).

~ Condition ~

The cabinet top is lifting to the back left hand corner.

There is the odd small damage to some of the veneered edging and corners.

There is a tiny bit of water damage to the veneer on one leg.

One of the cupboard door locks is not functioning, the other a little chipped round the keyhole.

There is a little mildew staining to the wood but not in any visible areas.

The piece has a few small knocks and scratches and there is a little evidence of repair visible inside but not outside.

Overall the piece is in a very nice condition. It has no serious damage only a little cosmetic wear from age and use but still presents very well.

Please enquire for postage costs.

#3832