A GEORGE IV PARCEL GILT OAK HALF-TESTER BED

This superb half-tester bed in the Gothic revival taste, became one of the most influential styles of the 19th Century and flourished from 1830 to 1900. This style takes its influence from the medieval buildings of the 12th to 16th centuries. This influence can be seen through the strong architectural elements of the Gothic cusps and quatrefoil of the tester and the pointed arches on the feet. One of the pioneering architects of this revival was William Porden (c. 1755 – 1822) who was appointed estate surveyor by the 1st Earl Grosvenor and was commissioned to reconstruct the family’s country seat Eaton Hall. A somewhat similar Gothic bed designed by Porden from Eaton Hall, sold Sotheby’s, Eaton Hall, 21 September 1992, lot 136. Other influential architects such as A.W. Pugin (1812-1852) also designed such superb furniture in the Gothic taste.