A George III mahogany twin pedestal desk by Henry Walker

A George III mahogany twin pedestal desk by Henry Walker, Lancaster, dated 1795, the moulded edge crossbanded top inset a later leatherette writing surface, above a single frieze drawer with a dummy front, the drawer fitted with six lidded compartments, each lid crossbanded and with an oval lettered panel with a brass loop handle, with two secret drawers, above three graduated drawers to each pedestal, all fitted with brass swan neck handles, to a plinth base, and brass roller castors, the back with a dummy frieze drawer and cupboard doors, the back of the frieze drawer with the original paper bill of sale inscribed '24 Feby 1795. Reced from Mr Pares; Bill.....22.5 - ; D...10 - ; D...0.7.17 - ; £40.2--- Walker,', 31in (79cm) h, 49.25in (125cm) w, 25.25in (64.2cm) d. This desk is attributable to the famous Lancaster cabinet makers Gillows. The quality of workmanship and manner in which the frieze drawer is fitted is identical to many known to be made by Gillows, see Susan Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster & London 1730 - 1840 for examples. The hand written label found on the back lining of the frieze drawer indicates the maker was Walker. Henry Walker of Lancaster did work for Gillows as a cabinetmaker and carver from the early 1790's and is recorded is petty ledgers in 1792-93 and 1802-04. In 1805 Walker set up his own business not far from Gillows in Church Street.