Lot Essay
In Christopher Gilbert English Vernacular Furniture 1750-1900, London, 1991, the author devotes a chapter to Regional Beds. In the section on Press Bedsteads and Foldaway Beds, the author notes that bedsteads designed to fold away into a cupboard were sometimes made by leading cabinet makers for their clients. The Gillow Estimate Sketch Books illustrate a Buro Bedstead made of Deal with 5 sham drawers infront. The sketch for this item of furniture is illustrated as fig.226 on p.139 and the bed has a corded canvas bottom. The sketchbooks are preserved in Westminster City Library. This sort of bed would almost certainly have been intended for servants.
A related bureau-bed was sold at Christie's King Street 12th February 1998, lot 332, although the bed folded out through the front of this particular bureau.
A related bureau-bed was sold at Christie's King Street 12th February 1998, lot 332, although the bed folded out through the front of this particular bureau.