Antique Regency George III Pembroke Table Gillows c.1820

Ref: 08324

For weekly notifications of new arrivals in your categories of interest please click HERE.

This Pembroke antique dining table is unmistakable in sophistication and style dating from the Regency period and attributed to Gillows, the famous furniture makers mentioned by the likes of Jane Austen and Thackeray in their works.

This antique dining table has been hand-crafted 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.

Condition:

As seen from the photos, this antique Regency dining table 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 about 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.

Viewing and Further Information

We are always delighted to discuss our antique dining tables, and would be happy to answer any questions you might have. Just email or call us on the above number and our experts will be on hand to discuss your requirements. You can also arrange an appointment to view this antique dining table or others we have in stock in our North London warehouse, just call or email. Please quote our reference: 08324 so we know which antique dining table you are talking about.

The showroom is open every weekday from 10am to 5pm and on occasional Saturdays - please call to confirm before travelling on a Saturday.

Shipping, Delivery and Returns

We can carefully pack and ship your antique Regency dining table to any destination worldwide, but please do ring for a quotation first, before purchasing the item. We deliver to all mainland UK addresses free of charge.

If you are not satisfied with this Pembroke dining table we offer a 14-day money back guarantee as required by the Distance Selling Regulations. You will be liable for the return shipping costs unless we have failed to describe the item you receive in some material way. You must return the item in its original packing and condition.

Buyers are fully responsible for any customs duties or local taxes that may be incurred on items sent outside of the United Kingdom.

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 2 foot, 4 inches x Width 3 foot, 10 inches x Depth 3 foot, 3 inches - Fully open

Height 2 foot, 4 inches x Width 1 foot, 10 inches x Depth 3 foot, 3 inches - With flaps down

Angelica Kauffman, RA (1741 - 1807)

was a Swiss-born Austrian Neoclassical painter who had a successful career in London and Rome. Though born as "Kauffmann", Kauffman is the preferred spelling of her name in English; it is the form she herself used most in signing her correspondence, documents and paintings.

While Kauffman produced many types of art, she identified herself primarily as a history painter, an unusual designation for a woman artist in the 18th century. History painting, was considered the most elite and lucrative category in academic painting during this time period. Under the direction of Sir Joshua Reynolds, the Royal Academy made a strong effort to promote history painting to a native audience who were more interested in commissioning and buying portraits and landscapes.

Despite the popularity that Kauffman enjoyed in British society and her success as an artist, she was disappointed by the relative apathy that the British had towards history painting. Ultimately she left Britain for the continent, where history painting was better established, held in higher esteem and patronized.

The works of Angelica Kauffman have retained their reputation. By 1911, rooms decorated with her work were still to be seen in various quarters. At Hampton Court was a portrait of the duchess of Brunswick; in the National Portrait Gallery, a self-portrait. There were other pictures by her at Paris, at Dresden, in the Hermitage at St Petersburg, in the Alte Pinakothek atMunich, in Kadriorg Palace, Tallinn (Estonia).

Satinwood

is a hard and durable wood with a satinlike sheen, much used in cabinetmaking, especially in marquetry. It comes from two tropical trees of the family Rutaceae (rue family). East Indian or Ceylon satinwood is the yellowish or dark-brown heartwood of Chloroxylon swietenia.

The lustrous, fine-grained, usually figured wood is used for furniture, cabinetwork, veneers, and backs of brushes. West Indian satinwood, sometimes called yellow wood, is considered superior. It is the golden yellow, lustrous, even-grained wood found in the Florida Keys and the West Indies.

It has long been valued for furniture. It is also used for musical instruments, veneers, and other purposes. Satinwood is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Sapindales, family Rutaceae.

Our reference: 08324

Please feel free to email or call us (+44 20 8809 9605) to arrange a viewing in our North London warehouse.

Inventory