.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
This impressive bed is designed in the fashionable 'antique' manner promoted by the pattern books of Thomas Sheraton (1804), Thomas Hope (1807) and George Smith (1808). Features such the paw feet on panelled posts and with stylized tester appear in a design for a 'Dome Bed' in George Smith's A Collection of Designs for Household Furniture, pl.24.
The bed was appropriately part of the furnishings at Chestham Park, a classical villa remodelled around an earlier structure between 1806 and 1830 by a local architect, probably Amon Henry Wilds, who created many of the architectural structures in Regency Brighton. The house was purchased by Prince Littler, the theatrical impresario, in the 1950s. The Wagstaffs acquired the house from Prince Littler's executors in 1977. Some of the furnishings were acquired along with the property although it is not certain that the bed was among these.
The bed was appropriately part of the furnishings at Chestham Park, a classical villa remodelled around an earlier structure between 1806 and 1830 by a local architect, probably Amon Henry Wilds, who created many of the architectural structures in Regency Brighton. The house was purchased by Prince Littler, the theatrical impresario, in the 1950s. The Wagstaffs acquired the house from Prince Littler's executors in 1977. Some of the furnishings were acquired along with the property although it is not certain that the bed was among these.