3-008-551 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The International Exhibition: sideboard by Gillow, 1862. 'This walnut sideboard is remarkable for...the delicate and yet masterly workmanship displayed in the execution of the details. The design was originated and worked out in the establishment of Messrs. Gillow, of Oxford-street, a house long known as one of the very first in point of taste among cabinetmakers and upholsterers and as one of the oldest established firms in the kingdom. This beautiful piece of furniture...is about 12ft. in height and in the style of the Renaissance...it is at the same time so cunningly decorated with objects of interest as to take away altogether any appearance of heaviness or clumsiness, whilst the mirror introduced in the centre adds the brilliancy needed to render it completely effective. The four medallions which fill the panels are carved with rare skill, and remind us of the marvellous productions of the renowned Grinlin [sic] Gibbons, both on account of their felicitous grouping and the marvellous manner in which they are carved...It is very gratifying to find a house of good name thus sustaining the position which has been so long accorded to it and helping at the same time to uphold the reputation of our English manufacture'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.