Contact Seller
Loveday Antiques Ltd
Tel01438 869 819Please quote Antiques Atlas.
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Non UK callers :
+44 1438 869 819
Set of Three Gillows Of Lancaster Mirrors
The Coilsfield House Set of Three Late 19th Century Silvered Green Painted mirrors by Gillows
Provenance:
The Earls of Eglinton, at Coilsfield House, later Montgomerie House, built on the site of Coilsfield Castle in 1801.
Thence by family descent
Literature:
Gillow Furniture Designs 1760-1800, Lindsay Boynton, see figs. 211 and 213 for mirrors with stylistic features in common with our set
Susan E Stuart: Gillows of Lancaster and London 1730-1840, 2009
Gillow in Scotland 1770-1830, David Jones & Jacqueline Urquhart, Regional Furniture Volume XII 1998
Dimensions
The largest mirror
Width 18 1/2 inches - 47cm
Height 43 inches - 110cm
Depth 2 inches - 6cm
The pair of slightly smaller mirrors
Width 16 1/2 inches - 43cm
Height 39 inches - 100cm
Depth 2 inches - 6cm
The mirrors of rectangular shape with central urn and swag crestings topped with wheat sheaf finials. The swags of drapery continuing around the sides of the frames and being utilised on the lower aprons, complete with central floral paterae. The inner borders of the frames with beaded detailing and all the mirrors retaining both their original plates and the interesting silvered gesso finish with green painting, a highly unusual combination.
These fine mirrors were executed in the late 19th century by the famous firm of Gillows of Lancaster and London for the Earls of Eglinton, long-time clients of the firm. The first recorded reference to Gillows supplying pieces to the family came in 1794 when Hugh Montgomerie, 12th Earl of Eglinton, ordered pieces for Eglinton Castle. Archibald Montgomerie then commissioned further pieces from the firm in 1800 and there were multiple orders placed after this time for the family's properties, the Earls remaining remarkably loyal to the Gillows workshops. Other pieces from Eglinton Castle and Coilsfield are described in Dr Susan Stuart's monograph on the Gillows firm. A luggage stand and a dressing mirror supplied to the family retain their original Gillows labels, making them interesting and important documentary pieces.
In addition to the firm's long association with the Montgomerie family, these mirrors relate closely to designs first introduced by Gillows in the very late 18th century and illustrated in Dr Lindsay Boynton's work on Gillows furniture designs of the period. With their sophisticated and pared-back neoclassical ornament, the present mirrors relate to what is broadly termed the "Adam" taste, also adopted to a greater or lesser extent by most of the leading architects of the time such as James Athenian Stuart and James Wyatt. A very closely related mirror, made. c.1800 and attributed to Gillows, was sold at Sotheby's on the 1st of October 2008, lot 158. In addition, a mirror at Calke Abbey in Derbyshire, of later regency period date, makes use of wheat sheafs in its cresting and may be seen on the National Trust Collections site here
The use of wheat sheafs in the cresting on the present mirrors is, as discussed, unusual but not unique. In the present case, however, it is likely that the choice had multiple layers of significance. Wheat was associated with the goddess Ceres and also with the idea of plenty, thus making it the perfect choice in a dining room setting. It allowed the owner to hint at their own generosity and their love of entertaining. In the present case, however, it is also likely that the choice of that cresting had heraldic significance. The coat of arms of the Earl of Eglinton includes "three garbs or" on an azure background, the arms of the Buchan family, as part of the quarterings. Garbs in heraldry are wheat sheafs and it is therefore highly possible that these crestings were chosen to emphasise some details of the family's lineage.
The Earls of Eglinton
The earldom of Eglinton was established in the very early 16th century with the family also inheriting the earldom of Winton in 1859. The Earl is head of Clan Montgomerie and the family has always been a significant one in Scotland. One of the early earls is rumoured to have been a poet of some significance and the great Robert Burns, Scotland's most famous poet, referred to the family in his poem Highland Mary about Mary Campbell. Coilsfield Castle is also mentioned. Coilsfield House was built in 1801 upon the ruins of Coilsfield Castle and the Montgomerie family owned the property until around 1900 when it passed in to the Arthur family instead. The house burned down in 1969 but thankfully many of the family treasures had already been removed and so have survived, including the present mirrors.
Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London. Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.
As proud members of LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.
Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.
All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.
FREE UK MAINLAND SHIPPING INCLUDED WITHIN THE PRICE.
(possible surcharge for remote areas of Wales and Scotland)
Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.
GOODS
All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.
Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.
VIEWINGS
We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.
We will happily arrange for clients to be collected travelling via train. Local stations being Hertford North, Stevenage and Ware, all being a 10 minute drive from us.
Please contact us for location and appointments.
Telephone 01438 869 819
Email info@lovedayantiques.co.uk
Payments accepted are Bank Transfer, Cheque, Major Credit Cards or Cash.
Opening Times
Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm Please email or call beforehand to make an appointment.
If outside of these times again please call to make an appointment
We have more than 40 years experience in supplying Antique furniture to the trade, public and interior designers from all parts of the world so please buy with confidence as we have passed the test of time.
SellerLoveday Antiques Ltd
View all stock from
Loveday Antiques Ltd
Private dealer
By appointment only
near Hertford
Hertfordshire
Tel : 01438 869 819
Non UK callers : +44 1438 869 819
Provenance:
The Earls of Eglinton, at Coilsfield House, later Montgomerie House, built on the site of Coilsfield Castle in 1801.
Thence by family descent
Literature:
Gillow Furniture Designs 1760-1800, Lindsay Boynton, see figs. 211 and 213 for mirrors with stylistic features in common with our set
Susan E Stuart: Gillows of Lancaster and London 1730-1840, 2009
Gillow in Scotland 1770-1830, David Jones & Jacqueline Urquhart, Regional Furniture Volume XII 1998
Dimensions
The largest mirror
Width 18 1/2 inches - 47cm
Height 43 inches - 110cm
Depth 2 inches - 6cm
The pair of slightly smaller mirrors
Width 16 1/2 inches - 43cm
Height 39 inches - 100cm
Depth 2 inches - 6cm
The mirrors of rectangular shape with central urn and swag crestings topped with wheat sheaf finials. The swags of drapery continuing around the sides of the frames and being utilised on the lower aprons, complete with central floral paterae. The inner borders of the frames with beaded detailing and all the mirrors retaining both their original plates and the interesting silvered gesso finish with green painting, a highly unusual combination.
These fine mirrors were executed in the late 19th century by the famous firm of Gillows of Lancaster and London for the Earls of Eglinton, long-time clients of the firm. The first recorded reference to Gillows supplying pieces to the family came in 1794 when Hugh Montgomerie, 12th Earl of Eglinton, ordered pieces for Eglinton Castle. Archibald Montgomerie then commissioned further pieces from the firm in 1800 and there were multiple orders placed after this time for the family's properties, the Earls remaining remarkably loyal to the Gillows workshops. Other pieces from Eglinton Castle and Coilsfield are described in Dr Susan Stuart's monograph on the Gillows firm. A luggage stand and a dressing mirror supplied to the family retain their original Gillows labels, making them interesting and important documentary pieces.
In addition to the firm's long association with the Montgomerie family, these mirrors relate closely to designs first introduced by Gillows in the very late 18th century and illustrated in Dr Lindsay Boynton's work on Gillows furniture designs of the period. With their sophisticated and pared-back neoclassical ornament, the present mirrors relate to what is broadly termed the "Adam" taste, also adopted to a greater or lesser extent by most of the leading architects of the time such as James Athenian Stuart and James Wyatt. A very closely related mirror, made. c.1800 and attributed to Gillows, was sold at Sotheby's on the 1st of October 2008, lot 158. In addition, a mirror at Calke Abbey in Derbyshire, of later regency period date, makes use of wheat sheafs in its cresting and may be seen on the National Trust Collections site here
The use of wheat sheafs in the cresting on the present mirrors is, as discussed, unusual but not unique. In the present case, however, it is likely that the choice had multiple layers of significance. Wheat was associated with the goddess Ceres and also with the idea of plenty, thus making it the perfect choice in a dining room setting. It allowed the owner to hint at their own generosity and their love of entertaining. In the present case, however, it is also likely that the choice of that cresting had heraldic significance. The coat of arms of the Earl of Eglinton includes "three garbs or" on an azure background, the arms of the Buchan family, as part of the quarterings. Garbs in heraldry are wheat sheafs and it is therefore highly possible that these crestings were chosen to emphasise some details of the family's lineage.
The Earls of Eglinton
The earldom of Eglinton was established in the very early 16th century with the family also inheriting the earldom of Winton in 1859. The Earl is head of Clan Montgomerie and the family has always been a significant one in Scotland. One of the early earls is rumoured to have been a poet of some significance and the great Robert Burns, Scotland's most famous poet, referred to the family in his poem Highland Mary about Mary Campbell. Coilsfield Castle is also mentioned. Coilsfield House was built in 1801 upon the ruins of Coilsfield Castle and the Montgomerie family owned the property until around 1900 when it passed in to the Arthur family instead. The house burned down in 1969 but thankfully many of the family treasures had already been removed and so have survived, including the present mirrors.
Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London. Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.
As proud members of LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.
Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.
All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.
FREE UK MAINLAND SHIPPING INCLUDED WITHIN THE PRICE.
(possible surcharge for remote areas of Wales and Scotland)
Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.
GOODS
All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.
Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.
VIEWINGS
We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.
We will happily arrange for clients to be collected travelling via train. Local stations being Hertford North, Stevenage and Ware, all being a 10 minute drive from us.
Please contact us for location and appointments.
Telephone 01438 869 819
Email info@lovedayantiques.co.uk
Payments accepted are Bank Transfer, Cheque, Major Credit Cards or Cash.
Opening Times
Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm Please email or call beforehand to make an appointment.
If outside of these times again please call to make an appointment
We have more than 40 years experience in supplying Antique furniture to the trade, public and interior designers from all parts of the world so please buy with confidence as we have passed the test of time.
Price
Click here to message the seller The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 9/FEB/2026. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
Category Antique Mirrors
Date 19th Century
19th Century Antiques Material Silver
Origin English
Maker Gillows
Item code as501a1096 / 3068
Status For Sale
£7650.00 
$10463.67
€8783.73
$10463.67
€8783.73
Looking to Buy?
Arrange a final price and delivery details directly with the dealerClick here to message the seller
Conversion rates as of 9/FEB/2026. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
Shipping information
FREE UK MAINLAND SHIPPING INCLUDED WITHIN THE PRICE.
(possible surcharge for remote areas of Wales and Scotland)
Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.
(possible surcharge for remote areas of Wales and Scotland)
Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.
View all stock from
Loveday Antiques Ltd
Private dealerBy appointment only
near Hertford
Hertfordshire
Tel : 01438 869 819
Non UK callers : +44 1438 869 819
You may also be interested in
Edwardian 1910 Bobbin Turned Wall Mirror
Georgian Wall Mirror
Late Victorian Cast Brass Wall Mirror
18th Century George II Period Carved Gesso Mirror
A Superb Pair Of Large Rococo Style Wall Mirrors
Decorative Console Mirror with Shelf Under
Large Rowley Gallery Marquetry Mirror
Antique Victorian Carved Oak Wall Mirror
Huge Round Beval Cut Wall Mirror Silver Gilt Finish
Antique Hallway Valet Mirror, Dutch, Brass
Georgian Chippendale Style Walnut Wall Mirror
English Antique Chinoiserie Decorated Wall Mirror
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