Late 19th Century French Rococo Style White Painted and Parcel Gilt King Size Bed

Fine quality late 19th century / early 20th century French Rococo style white painted and parcel gilt king size bed.

French Circa 1900

This superb quality king size bed is decorated throughout in a white and gilt scheme, the headboard having been upholstered in complementary gold coloured damask. Made around the turn of the 20th century, this piece is very much in the Louis XV style and is likely to have been made in Paris by one of the leading makers of the period. The asymmetrical scroll work is beautifully executed and well balanced and would have been intended to complement the boiserie of a bedroom of the time. It is interesting to think about this piece in the context of such landmark developments as the opening of the Ritz hotel in London in 1906, decorated largely in a similar French rococo revival style.

The bed stands on gilded lions' paw front feet, their musculature and the hairy forelocks also being imitated by the talented carvers responsible for the bed. On the sides of the piece are panels of gilt trellis work as well as further panelled scrollwork. In the centre of the headboard is a large bas relief panel comprising a group of putti/amorini (cherubs) at play with a chariot and flowers. This is a clear allusion to love, particularly appropriate for use on a double bed. The cresting of the headrail is a masterpiece of rococo revival carving, powerful in its distinctive asymmetry.

This bed has enormous visual presence but it is also very practical and comfortable to use. It retains the majority of its original paint work and gilding and pays homage to the masters of the Louis XV period, subtly updated and refined for a new generation who had fallen in love with the creations of the past. At this time French furniture was once again probably the most desirable and fashionable throughout the western world and the Parisian workshops of the period responded by producing a succession of masterful re-workings of classics of the past. This bed is a prime example.

Width: 103 inches - 262cm

Height: 61 1/2 inches - 156cm

Depth: 70 inches - 177cm

Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London.

Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.

As proud members of BADA & LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.

Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.

All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.

We deliver within the UK for usually between £60-£80 and ship worldwide with professional bespoke crating via air to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

GOODS

All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.

Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.

VIEWINGS

We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.

We will happily arrange for clients to be collected travelling via train. Local stations being Hertford North, Stevenage and Ware, all being a 10 minute drive from us.

Please contact us for location and appointments.

Telephone: 01438 869 819

Payments accepted are Bank Transfer, Cheque, Major Credit Cards or Cash.

Opening Times

Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm Please email or call beforehand to make an appointment.

If outside of these times again please call to make an appointment

We have more than 40 years experience in supplying Antique furniture to the trade, public and interior designers from all parts of the world so please buy with confidence as we have passed the test of time.