Large Mid 19th Century Amboyna & Ebony Library Table - Attributed to Gillows

Important Mid 19th Century Amboyna & Solid Ebony Library or Writing Table Attributed to Gillows. This elegant table relies for much of its impact on the use of very fine burr amboyna veneers, enclosed within ebony mouldings. The top of the table is beautifully bookmatched and the timber used throughout is of exceptional quality and figure. The slim frieze is beautiful and the table is very well-proportioned. Carved details are used sparingly. There is a fine gadrooned moulding used on the outer edge of the top and more complex variations of the same basic idea, sometimes known today as bead and bobbin mouldings, are used on the base of the end supports and the lower edge of the frieze which contains two fine hidden drawers. The pillars on the supports are beautifully turned and carved and made from solid ebony and not ebonised. This is a sign of very high quality, the use of this much ebony would have been extremely expensive. The gadrooned bun feet are also turned from the solid and stand on fine castors. The use of contrasting light and dark timbers was typical in this period. Amboyna had become a very sought-after timber in the late regency period with many of the pieces produced for George IV's refurnishing of Windsor Castle using it as the primary veneer. It is highly unusual, however, to find solid ebony rather than ebonised (black painted). The table is raised on concealed gilt brass castors. Almost certainly made by Gillows of London and Lancaster that was founded in Lancaster in 1730 by Robert Gillow. The name Gillows soon become synonymous with quality workmanship.