Specimen Games Table Attributed to Gillows

This magnificent games table incorporates some of the rarest English marbles, hardstones and fossil specimens, including Derbyshire Blue John. The scarcity of these coveted stones makes an inlaid circular piece of this size a truly exceptional and unique masterpiece. The tabletop, with its fabulous specimens surrounding an Ashford marble chessboard, is raised atop a carved rosewood crown designed to display the full beauty of the stones. The table's base, attributed to famed Gillows of Lancaster and London, is carved from rosewood, with the design of top and table complementing each other perfectly. Raised on a carved gadrooned central column with a leaf collar, the triform base leads to mighty lion's paw feet.

Gillows furniture is found in royal collections and museums throughout the world. Robert Gillow rose from humble beginnings as a joiner and evolved into a consummate businessman. After founding his business in 1730, he expanded his cabinetmaking activities to include direct import of quality West Indian timbers, especially fine mahogany. His talents as both a cabinetmaker and an innovative designer brought him early success, and his sons Richard and Robert joined the business. His furniture gained a reputation for excellent craftsmanship and materials. This, coupled with his insistence on being at the cutting edge of design, kept the company at the forefront of cabinetmaking throughout its incredibly long history. The powerful elegance, exquisite design, construction and exceptional rarity of this museum-quality table cannot be overstated, and it truly embodies the finest of Gillows' furnishings.

Circa 1830

25 1/4" wide x 25 1/4" deep x 29 1/2" high