Tester bed
manner of Gillows of Lancaster
Category
Furniture
Date
circa 1800
Materials
Mahogany, Softwood, Gilding, Oak, Chintz, Iron
Measurements
338 x 210 x 228 cm
Place of origin
Lancaster or London
Order this imageCollection
Nostell Priory, West Yorkshire
NT 960200
Summary
A mahogany and giltwood tester bed, English, circa 1800, in the manner of Gillows of Lancaster. Topped by an arched giltwood cornice above an upholstered head, the footposts turned and reeded and joined by a padded footboard with sloping corners topped by finials. Hung with floral chintz copied from those in the Bedroom in the Nostell Priory Doll's House. The side rails oak, the slats pine. Fitted with iron castors. -- In the 19th century, the formal Georgian state apartments at Nostell Priory were transformed into modern living apartments, and firms such as Gillows of London and Lancaster were commissioned to provide smart, elegant and practical bedroom furnishings. It is possible that this bed was supplied by the firm. See also NT 960340.
Provenance
Purchased by the National Trust by private treaty sale from Lord St Oswald in 2010.
Makers and roles
manner of Gillows of Lancaster, cabinet maker