Pair of interlining. England, c. 1900

Pair of interlining. England, c. 1900
Ebonized wood, brass marquetry, "verde antico" marble top and gilt bronze.
Retains key.
The marble top is later
Stamped on lower crosspiece: "From Guildford W. Williamson & Sons".
Measurements: 113 x 74 x 35 cm. (x2)
Pair of ebonized wood panels, covered with Boullé decoration combining marble and gilded bronze. On a frieze decorated with imperial motifs inspired by Greco-Roman designs, masks bordered with laurel leaves and acanthus. The central soffits are decorated in the Boullé style. This design expands across the field, configuring rhythmic patterns based on vegetal stylizations. The flanks are decorated with gilded geometric elements with more ornamentation in the corners. During this period the use of Boullé type marquetry became popular, in accordance with the designs that the famous cabinetmaker popularized while working for King Louis XIV. The interior of the furniture has three shelves.
They are stamped by Guildford W. Williamson & Sons, a historic Surrey-based manufacturer that preserves a large number of records, including ledgers, scrapbooks, illustrations and other materials. The firm's long tradition of apprenticeship in cabinetmaking and upholstery, and its importance in the success of the business, is also reflected in the archive it holds. The firm had at least 48 craftsmen in 1907. Initially located in Chapel Street, then known as Black Horse Lane, in the early 18th century, records show that the firm originally traded in textile fabrics, especially silks, velvets and other fine materials throughout the country. Russell's 1839 Guildford almanac lists the firm as upholsterers, brokers and appraisers. Growth led the firm to move to 44-45 High Street in 1847. In the new store, W Williamson and Sons sold furniture in 39 galleries. Such was their renown as purveyors of high quality furniture and vertu items that, on January 12, 1889, W Williamson and Sons received a royal appointment as upholsterers and decorators to Queen Victoria, for whom they carried out the upholstery and drapery for the Great Corridor of Windsor Castle.