Articles by David Harvey
A series of videos and articles that capture and inspire the reader within the beautiful world of English Antique Furniture
A collection of chests
The chest of drawers as an item of furniture has a very special place in most peoples’ hearts. Indeed, generations have been raised using the phrases Top Drawer and Bottom Drawer to signify...
Waxing Lyrical!
This is an article I recently wrote for a magazine entitled 'Waxing Lyrical." Simply click on the link and download the PDF for your viewing pleasure! David Harvey is a well known Antiques Dealer...
Regency Gout Stools
As is so often the case with Antique Furniture, the first time a dealer sets eyes on a piece bells start ringing. When I first saw this Pair of Regency Rosewood and Brass Gout Stools I knew I had...
Three-Piece Suite
I wrote an article some 5 years ago about Thomas Pistor and three 17th Century Kingswood pieces that were possibly made by him. David Harvey is a well known Antiques Dealer who owns WR Harvey...
Barwise of Cockermouth – A regeneration project
About a year ago I was in the Lake District looking at a Mahogany Longcase Clock which had caught my attention. It was in something of a sorry state having been made in Cockermouth by Lott Barwise...
The Story of Mrs Rudd’s Dressing Table
This table has been the subject of TV programmes and books as well as being featured in George Hepplewhite’s book of designs “The Cabinetmaker and Upholsterer’s Guide”. The description of this...
Gillows or not Gillows?
That is the question and I believe the evidence is all there. When I first acquired this extraordinary Secretaire Reading Table, it felt familiar. Over the past 45 years that I have been in this...
Our Glorious Exhibition
During March 2019, We held a unique Library Exhibition, here at our galleries in Witney. We produced a catalogue that accompanied the unique and glorious pieces that we exhibited. Please click on...
3 important points when buying antique furniture
1) When you are looking at a piece of antique furniture and thinking of buying it, get to know your dealer. Are they a member of an accredited trade association like LAPADA, CADA or BADA. They will...
Chippendale – What to look out for
Whilst celebrating the 300th. anniversary of Thomas Chippendale’s birth I am reminded that one of the first exhibitions I ever mounted was to celebrate the 200th. anniversary of his death. Since...
Regeneration of a Gillows Library Cabinet
Some months ago I acquired a very tired looking Mahogany Library Cabinet which had been used during it’s lifetime and had seemingly landed on hard times. There was however something about this piece...
Videos of our fantastic pieces
A selection of videos showing the beauty and quality of our pieces.
George III Mahogany & Inlaid Bookcase
A superb George III Period Mahogany, Satinwood, Tulipwood and Kingwood Library Breakfront Bookcase attributed to Gillows of Lancaster, the inlaid, cavetto cornice above four inlaid 6-pane rectangular glazed doors with adjustable shelves behind, the lower section with inlaid pull out book slides at the waist above four doors inlaid with flame figured mahogany oval reserves enclosed by satinwood spandrels and Kingwood and satinwood crossbandings, the whole raised on a moulded plinth base and with ebony and boxwood stringing throughout.
Chippendale Serpentine Commode
A superb early George III Chippendale Period flame figured Mahogany Bombe or Serpentine Commode with ebony mouldings, the serpentine shaped top above highly figured, panelled and crossbanded doors flanked by shaped, moulded canted corners and the whole raised on a shaped apron terminating in splayed bracket feet.
The doors open to show adjustable shelves to either side of a locking bar and a tambour compartment to the left hand side.
This has been in one family for many generations and has always been referred to as the Ince and Mayhew Commode.
Gillows Mahogany Library Secretaire
A superb George III period free standing Mahogany Secretaire Library Centre Cabinet by Gillows of Lancaster, panelled all round with a secretaire drawer containing “alphabet inlaid” lidded compartments, secret drawers and a removable, retractable writing slope above a kneehole cupboard flanked by 3 graduated drawers to each side and the whole raised on a plinth base.
Charles II Period Oak Chest of Drawers
A Charles II period 2-part Oak Chest of Drawers, the top with a moulded edge over four long drawers with applied mouldings, panels and geometric appliques in Yewwood, Fruitwood, Sycamore, Snakewood etc. This fine example is an illustration of the English Baroque Period which flourished after the restoration of the monarchy in 1660.
Early Figured Walnut Bureau Cabinet
A very good and early James II/ William and Mary Period highly figured walnut bureau cabinet, the moulded cornice above a pair of quarter veneered feather banded doors opening to reveal 11 variously sized drawers above two tiers of 8 pigeon holes, the quarter veneered feather banded fall opening to show conforming drawers and pigeon holes with a slide opening to a well and secret compartments and a leather lined writing surface all above three further full-width quarter veneered feather banded drawers and the whole raised on bun feet. This piece comes in three sections, a practice which had largely died out by 1700. All the mouldings are cross-grained.
Bookcases
Cabinets
Chairs/Settees/Beds
Clocks/ Barometers
Chests of Drawers
Desks
Dressers
Lighting
Pictures
Mirrors
Miscellaneous
Tables
