This is a superb quality English reproduction of an Elizabethan four poster bed, handmade from English solid oak, which fits a UK super-king size mattress (6ft wide).  Displaying stunning carvings, exceptional quality and craftsmanship, circa 1990, in excellent condition.

Summary:

• Item: Elizabethan Oak Four Poster Bed
• Circa: 1990
• Cabinetmaker: Taylor & Co, West Sussex
• Provenance: England, United Kingdom
• Built in the style of the Elizabethan Period (circa 1558 – 1603)
• Fits a standard UK super king size mattress (6ft wide x 6ft 6” long)
• External dimensions: 7ft 8” Wide x 8ft 4” Long x 7ft 4” High
• Wood: Solid English Oak
• Weight: 431kg
• Wood Colour: Honey brown
• Detailed carved dentil canopy
• Lozenge roof panels with floral & scroll carvings
• Turned column plinths with carved Triton pair of fish & mermaid sat atop, to headboard
• Geometric & arched arabesque carved panels to headboard
• Gadroon, floral & moulded dentil rails to headboard
• Fluted columns to headboard
• Moulded canopy with moulded dentil moulding, arabesque carvings & carved corbels
• Arabesque carved posts, with reeded pot bases
• Arabesque carved cabinets below posts, on moulded plinths
• Working locks and key
• Original oak slat base frame
• Exceptional English workmanship & quality
• Very strong & sturdy construction
• Dismantles into sections for easy access & transportation
• 14-day free UK returns policy

Description:

This is a superb quality English reproduction of an Elizabethan four poster bed, handmade from English solid oak, which fits a UK super-king size mattress (6ft wide).  Displaying stunning carvings, exceptional quality and craftsmanship, circa 1990, in excellent condition.

The super-king size bed finished in a light honey brown-brown oak colour, having been handmade in England from solid oak.  This English four poster bed is made in the style of the English Elizabethan period, which dates from between 1558 – 1603.

The Elizabethan four poster bed shows exceptional craftsmanship.  All panels, including the headboard, are detachable for ease of transport; easy access into a house and up smaller staircases.  The oak four poster bed fits a standard UK super king size mattress, which measures 6ft wide x 6ft 6” long.

The headboard dismantles into two panels to allow easy access up narrow staircases or through doorways.  The headboard is constructed of several carved panels and rails: to the top are two gadroon carved rails with floral centres. To the left, centre and right are three pairs of turned columns, with carved characters sat atop (Triton, a pair of fish and a mermaid, respectively).  Separating the pairs of columns are geometric carved panels, with moulded dentil perimeters. Beneath these panels is a reverse-moulded rail, below which is a series of fluted square columns, interspersed with arched floral panels with arabesque carved centres. Further below is a second reverse moulded rail, above four simple moulded panels.

The Elizabethan four poster bed displays a stunning recessed panel roof, comprising four lozenge panels, which include scroll carvings and floral carved centres.  The roof also boasts a detailed carved canopy, which incorporates reverse moulding, above shaped dentil moulding, below which is formal strap work arabesque rails, interspersed by foliate carved scroll shaped corbels.

Two substantial carved posts support the canopy at the front, boasting arabesque carving, above a reeded ‘pot’, which in turn sits atop an arabesque carved cabinet, resting on a moulded plinth.  Both cabinets retain their original working locks, each with a working key.  Please note: the canopy-supporting posts are freestanding and not attached to the footboard. The base of the English oak four poster bed comprises a footboard and side rails.  The bed salts will accommodate a UK super-king size mattress (6ft wide by 6ft 6” long).

This Elizabethan four poster bed is accentuated with style, romance and tradition. The impression created by this bed will without doubt be a memorable one as they are genuinely unique and recreate the ultimate in luxury of a bygone age.  This 16^th century style oak four poster bed is not to be confused with other reproduction four-poster beds of lesser quality in the market place today.  This super king four poster bed is handmade in England, using English oak, with stunning quality carvings.  The design, build quality and superstructure (thickness of panels) are of superior and exceptional quality. It is an extremely heavy bed, weighing 431kg, which is an indication of the quality of this bed.

History of Taylor & Co.:

Taylor & Company of Folly Farm, Haywards Heath in West Sussex, were cabinetmakers of traditional handmade English oak furniture, using the best materials available.  Trading until relatively recently, their products included such items as bed, sideboards, dressers, cabinets, bedroom furniture, dining tables, chairs, mirrors and desks.

History of Four Poster Beds:

Four-poster beds evolved from medieval necessities for warmth and privacy (curtains to block drafts/light) into opulent status symbols for royalty by the 15th century, featuring canopies (testers) and rich draperies that created private rooms, with designs shifting from heavy medieval styles to lighter, elegant forms while retaining their majestic appeal.

Early versions in 13th-century Austria and Ireland were simple frames with curtains, providing privacy and warmth in large, shared medieval rooms.  Initially, the canopy was hung from the ceiling, later integrated into the bed frame itself.  By the 15th century, especially in England, four-posters became grand, carved, and decorated, signalling wealth, like Richard III’s famous bed.

Elizabethan four-poster beds evolved from medieval necessities for warmth and privacy into extravagant symbols of wealth, featuring heavy drapes, rich fabrics like velvet and tapestry, and elaborate carving, with the grandest examples serving as public stages for royalty and nobility to hold court, embodying luxury and status.  Heavy fabrics, tapestries, and tassels transformed them into private chambers within a room, requiring staff to manage.

During the 18th Century and onwards, there was a French Influence. Designs became lighter and slenderer, moving away from the massive medieval styles.  New variations and styles like Queen Anne, Chippendale, and Tudor emerged, incorporating different carvings and forms became popular.  From practical necessity to grand statement, the four-poster’s ability to create grandeur and a sense of sanctuary has kept it a timeless, aspirational piece

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four-poster_bed#:~:text=A%20four%2Dposter%20bed%20is,original%20owners%20of%20the%20castle.

Source: https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/great-bed-of-ware?srsltid=AfmBOoo-GnQ5hqv-e47eamVTjVOAh7wxgzogeSf-r4DDYvDlw3C1wtVy

Source: https://www.getlaidbeds.co.uk/blog/history-four-poster-beds#:~:text=It%20may%20be%20tempting%20to,feel%20special%20and%20utterly%20unique.

Source: https://grimsdyke.com/four-poster-bed/#:~:text=Not%20only%20that%2C%20but%20with,slender%20more%20elegant%20French%20design.

Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/11r0zFtJX7qr8FWHt9mS1GR/13-facts-about-the-history-of-the-bed#:~:text=8.,a%20way%20to%20show%20status&text=The%201400s%20and%201500s%20saw,past%20all%20the%20elaborate%20drapery!

Condition Report:

This is a superb quality English reproduction of an Elizabethan four poster bed, handmade from English solid oak, which fits a UK super-king size mattress (6ft wide).  Displaying stunning carvings, exceptional quality and craftsmanship, circa 1990, in excellent condition.  Nominal old use marks to the leading edges, but nothing significant, considering the age of the item.  The English oak four poster bed has been cleaned and polished in our workshop to a professional standard; therefore, the colour and finish is of an excellent standard.  It is an extremely well-constructed, heavy (431kg), solid and a very stable bed.  There are no veneers on this bed either; it is made in England entirely of solid oak.  There are no missing carvings.  The bed boasts exquisite carvings, un-paralleled in terms of detail, intricacy and quality.  This Elizabethan four poster bed is of superior quality and construction, and is no comparison to other to reproduction beds in the market place today.

External Dimensions:

External height = 224.1cm / 88¼” / 7ft 4¼”

External width (canopy) = 233.6cm / 92” / 7ft 8”

External width (headboard) = 215.2cm / 84¾” / 7ft ¾”

External length (canopy) = 254.2cm / 100” / 8ft 4”

External length (headboard to footboard) = 248.6cm / 97⅞” / 8ft 1⅞”

Footboard height = 47.7cm / 18¾” / 1ft 6¾”

Mattress Frame Dimensions:

Mattress width (including side rails) = 199cm / 78⅜” / 6ft 6⅜”

Slat width = 194cm / 76⅜” / 6ft 4⅜”

Mattress length (including footboard rail) = 200.6cm / 79” / 6ft 7”

Mattress length (inside of frame) = 196.5cm / 77⅜” / 6ft 5⅜”

Side rail height (floor to top of side rails) = 48cm / 18⅞” / 1ft 6⅞”

Side rail depth = 20.2cm / 8”

Weight:

431kg

Mattresses:

This bed will fit a standard UK super king size mattress, which is 6ft wide by 6ft 6” long, with a small gap of 2” either side.  We also supply a range of high-quality mattresses for these beds starting from £450. Our mattresses are constructed of natural materials (silk, wool & cashmere) and are hand made in the UK. The price quoted does not include the mattress. Please enquire for a mattress quote.

Terms & Conditions:

Before purchasing this item, please ensure that you have read and agreed to our Terms & Conditions of Sale.  Furthermore, if you have any questions or concerns regarding these terms, we encourage you to contact us to discuss them in advance.

Product Code: 115977