Writing desk
The firm Gillows, or Gillow as it was originally known, was founded by Robert Gillow in Lancaster. The earliest records date from 1731 and by the end of the eighteenth century they were famous for being ingenious cabinet-makers, which they exported to London and overseas. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, Gillows family members ceased to be involved in the business but the name Gillows endured. Their furniture was distinctly conservative in style, continuing to produce certain models years after they had ceased to be fashionable.
Torso of a man
The delicately carved torso presents an idealized depiction of the upper body of a man. This type of representation is characteristic for the Ptolemaic Period, when anatomical features were generalized in order to be easily recognizable. Details of the human body are alluded to rather than elaborated, and the plastic qualities of the human flesh are often ignored, with arms and legs presenting the same appearance, whether they are held straight or flexed. The only indication of musculature in this sculpture is the slight curvature of the pectorals.
Gerrit Rietveld - "Utrecht" armchair
The angular and geometric lineament of this prototype of the very rare pre-war "Utrecht" Armchair by Gerrit Rietveld endows it with a gravity defying appearance. The compact, box-like nature of the chair is emphasized by the execution of the armrests - which turn into the front legs - and the absence of hind legs. The seat and backrest create an angle of which the join functions as the hind legs.
Whetstone
This whetstone gained its beautiful and markedly contemporary shape as well as its highly polished surface through years and years of repetitive use. The size indicates that it was used by a sedentary farming society, as it is far too large and heavy to be carried around by hunter-gatherers.
