Robert Gillow facts for kids

Robert Gillow (born 1704, died 1772) was a famous English furniture maker. He started a very well-known company called Gillow & Co.. This company became famous for making beautiful, high-quality furniture.

Robert Gillow's Early Life

Robert Gillow was born on August 2, 1704, in a place called Singleton, Lancashire, England. His family was well-known and followed the Roman Catholic faith. When he was young, Robert learned how to make furniture as an apprentice. This means he trained with an experienced cabinet maker to learn all the skills.

Starting His Furniture Business

Robert Gillow first worked with a trading family named Sattersthwaite. He sailed with them to the West Indies as a carpenter on their ship. While in Jamaica, he became very interested in a special type of wood called mahogany. He brought samples of this wood back to Lancaster, England, in 1720. Some people believe this was the first time mahogany was brought into England.

In 1730, Robert Gillow started his own company, Gillow of Lancaster. It quickly became known for making fancy furniture and home items. In the 1730s, his company began trading with the West Indies. They would send mahogany furniture there and bring back things like rum and sugar. They also worked on fitting out ship cabins and doing finishing work on buildings.

Growing the Family Business

Gillow's company quickly became famous for making high-quality furniture. They supplied beautiful pieces to some of the richest families in England. They also had a workshop in London on Thames Street.

In 1764, Robert's son, Thomas Robert Gillow (1745–1793), opened a permanent branch of Gillow's in London. This new shop was located at 176 Oxford Road, which is now Oxford Street.

Robert Gillow retired in 1769. His two sons, Richard Gillow (1734–1811) and Thomas Robert, took over the family business. Richard Gillow was also an architect. He designed the Custom House, Lancaster. He is also known for inventing the "telescopic dining-table," which could be made longer or shorter. For more than 100 years, the Gillow company was famous for its luxury furniture.

Robert's Family Life

In 1730, Robert Gillow married Agnes Fell (1708–1757) in Lancaster. Agnes was the daughter of James and Agnes Fell, who lived at Swarthmoor Hall.

His Passing

Robert Gillow passed away in 1772.

See also

• Leighton Hall, Lancashire
• Paulyn Gillow
• Richard Gillow
• Joseph Gillow