For lovers of fine antique furniture, few names carry the same reputation for craftsmanship, refinement, and prestige as Waring & Gillows. Makers of distinguished furniture for over two centuries, their work adorned country estates, townhouses, luxury hotels, and even iconic ocean liners such as the RMS Titanic. Today, pieces from Waring & Gillows continue to be prized by collectors, designers, and homeowners who value history, quality, and classic British elegance.
From their early beginnings in Lancaster to their prominent London showrooms, their journey charts the evolution of furniture making in Britain — and their designs remain a benchmark for exceptional quality.
Origins – Gillows of Lancaster
The story begins in the 1730s, when Robert Gillow established a cabinet-making firm in Lancaster. Their work soon became known for its outstanding quality, refined details, and fine mahogany craftsmanship. Gillows furniture set new standards in design and joinery, and their surviving ledgers reveal meticulous attention to construction and proportion — principles that would define their legacy for generations.
The Merger – Waring & Gillows
In 1897, Gillows merged with Waring of Liverpool, a firm focused on luxury interiors and full-house furnishing. The partnership created Waring & Gillows, a powerhouse in both cabinet-making and interior decoration. They furnished aristocratic homes, government buildings, hotels, and even luxury cruise ships — gaining international acclaim.
Their London showroom on Oxford Street became a destination for the wealthy and fashionable, offering complete interior design services and beautifully styled room settings.
Hallmarks of Waring & Gillows Furniture
Although their styles evolved — from Georgian and Regency revival to Arts & Crafts and Art Deco — several details remained consistent:
Fine Materials – mahogany, walnut, oak, brass, satinwood and quality veneers
Expert Joinery – hand-cut dovetails, crisp detailing, elegant construction
Subtle Elegance – graceful proportions, understated decoration and balanced design
Craft Marks – labels or stamps reading “Waring & Gillows”, “Gillows of Lancaster”, or “Waring & Gillow Ltd”
Waring & Gillows furniture is admired for being timeless — never too ornate, yet always refined.
Prestigious Commissions
Their work wasn't limited to individual pieces. Waring & Gillows were contracted to decorate some of the most important spaces in Britain:
🛳 RMS Titanic, RMS Olympic and other grand ocean liners
🏛 UK Government buildings
🏨 The Ritz and The Savoy Hotels
🏰 Private residences and royal homes
Their reputation for quality and reliability made them the go-to firm for high-end interiors, both in Britain and internationally.
Collectibility and Legacy
Today, genuine Waring & Gillows furniture is highly collectible, with strong demand from private buyers, interior designers, and collectors. Their work fits effortlessly into both traditional and modern settings, thanks to its elegant simplicity and fine proportions.
How to spot the real thing:
🔎 Look for maker’s stamps or labels inside drawers or underneath
🪑 Examine craftsmanship — precise joints, fine veneers, solid materials
📜 Research provenance — some Gillows pieces match original ledger records
Owning a Waring & Gillows piece means owning a slice of British design history — timeless, practical, and beautifully made.
Why They Still Appeal Today
In a world of mass-produced furniture, Waring & Gillows stands for something different — craftsmanship, integrity, and permanence. Their designs remain relevant because they were never just made to look fashionable — they were made to last.
Elegant. Understated. Built to endure.
A perfect fit for today’s home.
