ATTRIBUTED TO GILLOWS, CIRCA 1780

The exceptionally high quality of craftsmanship and the use of rare timbers such as amaranth, goncalo alves and satinwood suggests that this piece was made by the Lancaster cabinet-making firm of Gillows. Unlike their competitors, Gillows did not publish their designs and though they supplied furniture to a vast clientele, all but a few of their most significant patrons remain unknown. Related secretaire cabinets were sold Christie's, London, 22 November 2007, lot 623 and Christie's, New York, 24 November 2009, lot 16.