A Fine Late Regency Breakfront Side Cabinet by Gillows, c.1825

Executed in finely figured Goncalo Alves this breakfront side cabinet is unusual in that it retains its original pierced brass fretwork gallery and the corresponding brass grills to the cupboard doors. Although unsigned, the piece is given to Gillows with full confidence. Every aspect of this design seems to appear on other signed Gillows pieces-the grill pattern, the particular form of scrolling corbels on the uprights, the half-beaded mouldings used on the apron and frieze and the carved paterae for example. The tapering bun feet are also a Gillows staple although they are often reeded but here are left plain for contrast. The Gillows estimate sketchbooks make clear how much of an additional premium was attached to the use of gilt brass features in their workshops, the additional price for such luxurious appointments being quite considerable. The commissioner of this piece must have been someone of wealth and taste and the use of mahogany rather than rosewood for the piece is also somewhat unusual for the time. The back of the piece is panelled, always a sign of good quality, and the cupboard doors enclose adjustable shelves, the shelves themselves having a finely executed reeded pattern moulding to the fronts which is also a sign of extra care having been taken to produce the piece.

Estimate:£16,850

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