E.W. PUGIN (1834-1875) FOR GILLOW & CO., LANCASTER, CIRCA 1870

E.W. PUGIN (1834-1875) FOR GILLOW & CO., LANCASTER, CIRCA 1870
GOTHIC REVIVAL LIBRARY SET, CIRCA 1870
oak, comprising a TABLE, stamped 1570, 124.5cm across, 74cm high; and FOUR CHAIRS, each with upholstered seats, stamped GILLOWS, 46cm wide, 84cm high, 46.5cm deep (5)
Provenance: Private Collection, Essex since circa 1920
Literature: V&A; Accession no W.1-1991 Note: Edward William Pugin inherited his father's architectural practice and followed the same principles when designing furniture. His father had explained his wish to create furniture, which 'could come moderate and suit gothic homes'. 'Good bracing' was to him essential, and 'The strength of wood-work is attained by bracing the various pieces together on geometrical principles. This is beautifully exemplified in ancient roofs, either in churches or domestic buildings; the constructions of these, so far from being concealed is turned into ornament'. Furniture by Pugin and his son continued to be manufactured by firms such as J. G. Crace, Holland & Son and Gillows of London and Lancaster throughout the 19th century.These chairs in this group are very closely related to chairs designed by E.W. Pugin for the Grange, his family home, in Ramsgate in about 1864. The Grange was designed and built circa 1843 by his father A.W.N. Pugin who also designed the original furniture. After A.W.N. Pugin's death in 1852, the house was let until 1864 when the Pugin family returned. E.W. Pugin inherited his father's architectural practice and followed the same principles when designing furniture. This chair shows A.W.N. Pugin's preference for revealed construction in the pegs holding the legs and stretchers together. E.W. Pugin combined his father's ideas with new details of his own such as the broad back support.