A fine Victorian oak and marquetry writing table circa 1865, stamped Gillow & Co., after a design attributed to Charles Bevan

the leather-lined top above two frieze drawers.

Stamped in the drawer; overall condition is excellent with old marks consistent with age and use. In good restored condition, the later leather-lined top with some old marks, scratches and scuffs, some minor patches and infilled losses to the parquetry ornament and veneers around the edge of the top, some very minor old worm to one drawer lining, minor variations to color overall due to sun-fading, minor chip to inlay of bottom left foot, overall with some old marks, scratches and scuffs consistent with age and use.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present table is representative of the furniture made by a group of leading designers in the so-called geometric Gothic style during the 1860s and 1870s. These designers include John Pollard Seddon, Bruce Talbert and Charles Bevan, who employed a repertoire of ornaments, some of which are incorporated on the offered lot.  A comparable table, by Gillows of Lancaster after a design by A.W.N. Pugin, sold at Christie's, London, March 9, 2000, lot 95, shares certain features such as the rosette carved end support plinths and projecting tenon joints. It is interesting to speculate whether the more advanced form of the table here may be linked to the designs of the younger E.W. Pugin, who took over his father's architectural practice following his death in 1852 and whose notable commissions include Scarisbrick Hall, Lancashire and the Granville Hotel, Ramsgate.