An exceptional pair of carved mahogany shell back hall chairs, attributed to Gillows of Lancaster and London. The exceptional carving and sculptural qualities of the design and execution of the work make it easy to appreciate why Gillows is regarded as an iconic producer of quality and style and continues to be appreciated and sought out by collectors today.
The large deeply carved scallop shell backs of these examples float above the wave-like ‘C’ scroll brackets. The smooth curvature of the compass seat, supported by the well-proportioned turned legs make this pair exceptional examples of the form.
The earliest recorded Gillows shell back chairs were commissioned by the Reverend Holland Edwards of Wales in 1811, and this present pair are thought to date around 1815 making them early examples.
