Antique Set of Six Gillows Victorian Mahogany Tan Leather Dining Chairs, c.1840

Gillows of Lancaster | Early Victorian Period

Product description

An exceptional set of six early Victorian mahogany dining chairs by the celebrated cabinetmakers Gillows of Lancaster, dating to circa 1840. A distinguished example of nineteenth-century English cabinetmaking, combining elegant proportions, beautifully executed turnings and the exceptional craftsmanship for which the Gillows workshops became renowned.

Each chair features a generously proportioned, gently curved and fully upholstered backrest, complemented by a substantial sprung seat, both finished in beautifully aged tan leather. The leather has developed a rich caramel colour and attractive patina, with subtle variations in tone that enhance the character of the set.

The chairs stand upon finely turned mahogany front legs, displaying crisply defined baluster and ring turnings, terminating in brass castors. The rear legs are elegantly swept, providing a pleasing contrast to the more substantial front supports. Traditional brass upholstery studs provide a refined decorative finish.

The quality of the cabinetmaking is particularly evident in the precision of the turning, the carefully balanced proportions and the substantial construction of the frames. The mahogany displays a rich, warm colour and attractive grain, reflecting the exacting standards associated with Gillows of Lancaster.

Importantly, the chairs bear impressed Gillows stamps, providing valuable evidence of their manufacture by one of Britain’s most celebrated furniture-making firms.

Established in Lancaster during the eighteenth century, Gillows developed an international reputation for producing furniture of exceptional quality, supplying distinguished private residences and country houses throughout Britain and beyond.

This handsome set would make a wonderful addition to a traditional dining room, country house or contemporary interior, offering both historical significance and practical everyday use.

A particularly desirable opportunity to acquire a complete set of six stamped Gillows dining chairs, retaining their beautifully aged tan leather upholstery and displaying the enduring quality of British cabinetmaking at its finest.

Dimensions

Approximate measurements per chair

Maker: Gillows of Lancaster

Period: Early Victorian

Date: Circa 1840, attributed

Origin: Lancaster, England

Materials: Mahogany, tan leather and brass

Quantity: Six dining chairs

Condition: Good antique condition, with age-related wear to the mahogany and leather. The upholstery displays attractive patination, surface marks and some localised wear to the edges and corners. The brass castors show signs of age and use.