Furniture made by Gillows is held in the Royal Collections and in museums across the world. Susan E. Stuart’s scholarly and invaluable study on the company, Gillows: of Lancaster and London 1730-1840 (Antique Collectors Club, 2008) is unsurpassed as a complete history of the company. Founder of the Gillows dynasty, Robert (1704-1772) rose from humble beginnings as a provincial joiner to evolve into a consummate businessman following the pursuit of excellence throughout his life. Founding his business in 1730 the demands of making high quality furniture lead to further business involving the direct import of quality West Indian timbers, especially the very finest mahogany. Gillow’s talents as both a cabinetmaker and an innovative designer brought him early success. His two sons, Richard & Robert, joined the business, he expanded his Lancaster showroom and opened another in London’s Oxford Street. Clientele included the aristocracy and also the British Government. Gillows’ furniture, always at the forefront of design, gained a deserved reputation for excellence of workmanship and materials throughout its’ long history. The Gillow name is one of the best known makers of English furniture.

In 1897, the Gillow firm merged with the Liverpool firm Waring, to form Waring & Gillow. The latter firm continued to make furniture in Lancaster, including much of the fittings for Lancaster's new Town Hall, opened in 1909. The firm was taken over in 1961, and all production in Lancaster ceased. The Judge’s Lodging Museum, Lancaster, is home to a renowned collection of Gillow furniture.

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