A REGENCY MAHOGANY BREAKFRONT WARDROBE

The pattern for this wardrobe first appears in Gillows' Estimate Sketch Book in March 1806 for a client called General Jones (1801-22, p. 1784). At least three breakfront wardrobes of this pattern were supplied to William Powlett, 2nd Baron Bolton (1782-1850) for Hackwood Park, Hampshire, by Gillows of London and Lancaster and are recorded in the Gillows Memorandum of May 1813. One was supplied for Lady Bolton's bedroom, one for Lord Bolton's dressing-room and one for the North East Bedroom. The wardrobe supplied for Lady Bolton's bedroom was designed with 'one wing lined with Baize and rails with pins for hanging Dresses' whilst the other two wardrobes were fitted for the storage of boots and shoes. They were sold by the late 2nd Viscount Camrose, Hackwood Park, Hampshire, Christie's house sale, 20-22 April 1998, lots 367-369 (£29,900, £42,200 and £36,700 incl’ premium). Another was sold anonymously Christie’s, London, 21 April 2005, lot 224 (£18,000 incl’ premium).
All feature Gillows distinctive `square-cornered’ panels, reeded column uprights and superbly figured mahogany.