A Barn Full of BRASS BEDS by Jonathan Tebbs Est. 1984 HOME ANTIQUE BRASS AND IRON BEDS SELECTION OF STOCK MADE TO MEASURE MATTRESSES MADE TO MEASURE BED BASES SUPPLIER OF BEDS TO HARRY POTTER CARING FOR YOUR BED jonathantebbs@googlemail.com TELEPHONE: 01507 358092

ANTIQUE BRASS AND IRON BEDSTEADS THE HISTORY OF BRASS & IRON BEDSTEADS

The Brass & iron bedstead has long been part of British life. They were first made during the 1840's, hand forged with solid wrought iron. As the Industrial Revolution took a hold, they were then manufactured on a massive scale. By the 1880's, nearly every house in the British Isles would have had at least two or three beds of this description. If you yourselves live in a house that was built from 1860 - 1930, you can almost guarantee your home would have had this type of bed in every bedroom.

Jonathan sources his beds not only in this country, but they come from as far away as Africa, India and in fact, all countries which were colonised during the strength of the British Empire. They were all made in Britain, but exported by boat to all of the colonies. Ironically, when they were first purchased, they were not necessarily bought for their splendour and beauty, but for practical reasons. For centuries the British and indeed the whole of Europe had been cursed by the bed bug, which harboured disease and sickness in the wooden beds previously available.

Brass bedsteads, some incorporating porcelain and pearl decor, graced the finer bedrooms. More simple iron beds, adorned by straight brass rods and finials, were destined for more humble homes and servant's quarters, yet all retain individual charm today.

Designers of beds in the Twenties used whimsical curves and floral scrolls, giving way to geometric simplicity in the Thirties.