19th Century Regency George III Pembroke Table Attributed to Gillows

This wonderful antique pembroke dining table is unmistakable in sophistication and style dating from the Regency period, circa 1820, and attributed to Gillows, the famous furniture makers mentioned by the likes of Jane Austen and Thackeray in their works. This lovely antique dining table has been handcrafted from solid mahogany which was the wood of choice for fine furniture makers due to its durability and also its beautiful grain which provides a lovely colour and patina. Above an end frieze drawer, the table has twin rounded flaps creating a rectangular top. The table top is crossbanded around the edge which provides stylish and subtle decoration. This antique dining table is raised on four fluted uprights on a quadripartite base which features ornate brass caps and castors. It was originally purchased from Messrs Christies Auctioneers in the Mere Hall auction on 23rd May 1994 as lot 56. The item is not CITES pursuant. Condition: As seen from the photos, this piece is in excellent condition. Origin of ‘Pembroke’ Tables The name ‘Pembroke Table’ is highly debated, but it’s believed to be named after Mary Herbert, the Countess of Pembroke (1561-1621) who was the first person to order a folding flap table design. They were first introduced as a type of table in the 18th century and remained popular throughout the 19th century due to their flexibility. They are characterised by having an oval or rectangular top with folding or drop leaves on each side. Most examples have four legs which are sometimes connected by stretchers and also have one or more drawers in the frieze. This design means they can be easily stored and moved about and opened for dining, serving tea or writing. Gillows Gillows & Co, based in Lancaster with a later shop in London, were furniture makers whose name became a byword for quality. The firm was started in circa 1730 by Robert Gillow who was joined in business by his son Richard Gillow in 1754. They are noted for their use of mahogany wood, which they were able to import directly from the Americas through owning a twelfth share in the trading ship Bridget. The success of the firm was partly based on this fact. They set up a London branch in 1760 and a London shop in 1770 and went on to win commissions to furnish and decorate public buildings across the world as well as for British aristocratic houses such as Tatton Hall. Pieces from Gillows can now be seen in museums in London, Leeds, Adelaide, Melbourne and Auckland as well as in their own Gillows Museum in Lancaster. Dimensions in cm: Height 72 x width 118 x depth 100 – Fully open Height 72 x width 56 x depth 100 – With flaps down Dimensions in inches: Height 28.3 x width 46.5 x depth 39.4 – Fully open Height 28.3 x width 22.0 x depth 39.4 – With flaps down.