A pair of Victorian oak open bookcases circa 1868, by Gillows of Lancaster

with adjustable shelves, the sides with linen-fold panelling, reduced in size, cuts to both plinths

Supplied to Sir James Ramsden ( 1822-96) for Abbots Wood, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. Thence by descent at Abbots Wood until 1941 and subsequently sold Sotheby`s Important English Furniture, 4th July 1997, lot 129 and acquired by the present vendor

Very minor variation in widths of bookcases. Reduced in size. Cuts to both plinths - one vertical, the other diagonal. Old marks, scratches and stains to timber.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present bookcases were supplied by Gillows to Sir James Ramsden for Abbots Wood, Barrow-in-Furness, around 1868. The bookcases are illustrated in Gillows Estimate Sketch Books and are shown in situ in a photograph of the Billiards Room at Abbots Wood dated 1891, see illus. The designwer is unrecorded, but the fine Gothic detailing strongly suggest the involvement of an outside figure such as A.W.N. Pugin, with whom Gillows  frequently collaborated, notably at the Palace of Westminster; or possibly either Bruce Talbert, who designed a side-cabinet made by Gillows for Abbots Wood ( c.f. Martin Levy, Abbots Wood, Barrow-in-Furness, Furniture by Gillow for Sir James Ramsden', Apollo, June 1993, pp.384-388).

The furnishing of Abbots Wood was among the largest commissions undertaen by Gillows at this date, extending over a period of more than twenty years, from 1858 until 1879. The house itself, demolished in 1961, was begun in 1857, its construction funded by the Furness Railway Company, of which Sir James was manager. Born in the Midlands in 1822, the son of a millwright, Sir James began his career with the Furness Railway Company in 1846 and through the patronage of the Chairman, Lord Burlington ( later 7th Duke of Devonshire), he quickly rose to a senior position, establishing himself as a prominent local figure with business interests that extended to steel and iron, as well as ship-building and other industries. Sir James was likewise involved in local politics, serving as Barrow`s first Mayor, and through active support for local clubs and institutions played a leading role in Barrow`s expansion at this period, a fact commemorated by a statue in the town`s mainsquare erwected in his honour in 1872, the year he received his knighthood, and by several buildings and streets which bear his name.

Abbots Wood remained with Sir James` descendants until 1941. IN 1961, after years of neglect, the house was acquired by Barrow Borough Council and swiftly demolsihed. Some of the contents were transferred to Barrow Town Hall, and the side-cabinet designed by Talbert has passed into the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. However, much of the original furniture supplied by Gillows was dispersed, and the present bookcases are among the few surviving items which have since been traced.