Bed steps
Category
Furniture
Date
circa 1800 - 1825
Materials
Mahogany, holly, softwood, baize, wool, brass, ceramic
Measurements
69 x 46 x 69 cm
Place of origin
England
Order this imageCollection
Erddig, Wrexham
NT 1147221.1
Summary
A set of mahogany and inlaid bed steps, English, early 19th century. Of three red baize-lined treads, the uppermost with a hinged top board. The second tread also hinged, above a pull-out riser containing a softwood frame around a ceramic bidet pan with a turned softwood lid. The risers inlaid with holly lines. Raised on four multiple ring-turned and waisted legs with brass caps and castors. The softwood carcase boards stained with red wash. -- Bed-steps were often supplied in pairs, one - like this set - with a pull-out drawer containing a lidded bidet pan, and another with a hinged top for a chamber pot or other articles. See NT 1147221, of the latter type, which is very similar in overall form and decoration but with legs turned slightly differently.
Provenance
Given by Philip Yorke III (1905-1978) along with the estate, house and contents to the National Trust in 1973.