A Regency brass-inlaid rosewood open bookcase circa 1815, attributed to Gillows

with a brass three-quarter gallery, the cut brass inlaid frieze over three open sections, divided by reeded uprights with scrolled volutes with adjustable shelves, the outer sections with removable lockable book retainers, the whole on reeded bun feet, originally fitted with a superstructure

Overall in a very good clean and restored condition. The top with a slightly cleaned surface and some very minor surface scratches to this neww finish. Some very minor tarnishing to brasswork. Ready to place.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

  

Although the present bookcase is not marked by a Gillows stamp, it can be attributed to that firm as it displays many characteristics of pieces known to be by them. As well as the use of fine quality timber and the high quality of the carving, the overall form is typical of this firm`s work. Such details as the carved scrolled corbels seen at the top and bottom of  the pilasters which are typical of the `Antique' or Grecian taste fashionable in the early 19^th century can be seen on a bookcase made by Gillows for George Wilson Esq., of Dallam Tower, Milnthorpe in 1829, illustrated in  Susan E. Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London, 1730-1840, 2008, 2 vols, vol. I, pl. 450. The brass-inlay is also typical of  Gillow`s work and can be seen on a library table made in 1813 for William Powlet, 2^nd Baron Bolton ( 1782-1850) illustrated in Susan E. Stuart, op. cit, pp.289-291.

 

 

For further comparison, see a matched pair of cabinets of very similar form to the present lot, one of which was stamped GILLOWS  LANCASTER,  sold Sotheby`s London, 18^th November 2008, lot 402.