A pair of Victorian giltwood armchairs by Gillow & Co

66 A pair of Victorian giltwood armchairs by Gillow & Co

Height: 37in (94cm) Width: 24½in (62cm) Depth: 24in (61cm)

Each chair has a shaped hooped back continuous with scrolling open arms with half acanthus terminals. The shaped front rails, centred on an anthemion, sweep down to form the carved cabriole legs which terminate in scroll feet and the original castors. The backs, seats and armrests are upholstered with the original plush needlework showing tea roses and other flowers, retaining much of their vibrant colours. Both chairs stencilled on the bottom covers ‘Gillow and Co, 176 Oxford St. London.’ English, circa 1850. Plushwork, also known as Amish Stumpwork, chenille work or German tufted wool embroidery, is an opulent variety of needlework which adds height, colour and texture to cross-stitch or gros point. It is typically made with wool or thick silks which are stitched tightly over a template and then snipped open so that the cut ends form a thick pile. On these chairs the bright flowers are worked in plush wool against flatter and more muted leaves.