One of the most famous names in antique furniture is that of Gillows. The precise date at which the Gillows family began to trade in their own right as cabinetmakers has not been established with complete accuracy but it was around 1730.  The founder of the firm was Robert Gillow (c.1702-1772) completed an apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker in Lancaster, becoming free in 1727 or 1728, initially working in partnership with George Haresnape. Gillow was a catholic, as was Haresnape, and... read more

The fascination with Chinoiserie (an umbrella term which covers Chinese and Japanese-influenced pieces) and oriental art in the west can be traced back to the late 15th and 16th centuries when the first examples of pieces made in China began to arrive via the silk road in the courts of Europe. These pieces caused a sensation at the time and were incredibly highly prized, affordable only to Kings, Queens and merchants with the largest fortunes of the period. A Ming dynasty... read more