19th Century Rosewood Bureau Cabinet | Gillows

19th Century Rosewood Bureau Cabinet | Gillows

A superb example of 19th century cabinet furniture, this rosewood bureau cabinet embodies the refined elegance and practical design sensibilities characteristic of the mid-Victorian era. Crafted in the British Isles and attributed to the renowned Gillows firm, it seamlessly fuses traditional craftsmanship with understated Regency influences.

Origin: England
Date: Circa 1850
Material: Rosewood, satinwood, brass

Dimensions: Height (top of gallery): 127 cm (50 in), Width: 111 cm (44 in), Depth: 57.5 cm (22.6 in)

Condition: Very good, displaying a beautifully aged patina with minor, sympathetic restorations.

This bureau cabinet is an ideal representation of English traditional secretary desks with hutch, highly prized for both its decorative appeal and utility. Gillows was famed for their superb furniture design and exceptional standards in joinery, frequently producing pieces for the nation’s grandest homes. Comparable examples reside in significant collections and museum holdings, underlining the enduring desirability of such period cabinet furniture.

Notable Features:

• Exquisite rosewood veneers complemented by the warm tones of satinwood in the interior compartments
• Upper section concealing a bank of pigeon holes and drawers, meticulously crafted for organising correspondence and valuables
• Ingenious pull-out writing drawer with fitted compartments, including discreet secret drawers for concealing personal items
• Elegantly shaped cabriole legs with original brass castors, joined by an H stretcher for added stability and sophistication

The bureau’s design reflects Regency taste with its balanced proportions and subtle curves, while the practical arrangement of its interior highlights Victorian ingenuity. Its scale and fine execution make it a rare find, especially as an authentic work attributed to Gillows, one of England’s pre-eminent cabinet makers of the 19th century.

Collectors and enthusiasts will appreciate the rarity and provenance, making it a focal point whether displayed in a study, library or as the cornerstone of a fine furniture collection. Combining functional storage with period aesthetics, this Gillows rosewood bureau cabinet presents both historic charm and everyday utility.