Object Description
An oak and mahogany campaign Chair Bed by Morgan & Sanders of Catherine Street.
This Chair Bed differ to the others we have had by the various London Catherine Street makers for its use of oak for the boards used for the back and sides. Normally these boards are mahogany. As the Chair was made to have material covers over these boards, oak was used as it wouldn’t be seen whilst the legs etc. are mahogany. We have had removable material covers made that still allow the back and sides to fold or be removed. The two side covers are padded to the interior to add comfort.
When used as a bed, the pine seat frame lifts up to fold out and is supported to the end by two screw in, turned mahogany feet. The back, seat and a spare cushion can then be buttoned together to form a mattress. The side boards can be removed or kept in place. They are held in place to the back by a pair of bolts. With the bolts unscrewed, the side boards can be lifted up and out by means of steel plates to their hinges which fit into slots to the seat frame. Originally this Chair Bed would have had removable posts and a folding canopy frame for hanging drapes or mosquito nets but, like most such beds, they are missing.
The back has two long wooden bars that prevent it from falling forward when the sides are taken off. They can be twisted from a vertical to a horizontal position to allow the back to fall forward to reduce the size of the Chair for travel. Likewise, the two side boards will fold on their hinges to sit on top of the seat frame. This dramatically reduces the height of the chair.
Morgan and Sanders enjoy a very good reputation as Georgian makers of metamorphic and campaign furniture with their name recognised more today than their previous employer Thomas Butler. This Chair Bed is just as practical today as when first made. It gives a comfortable, wide armchair with the added use of a spare bed. Circa 1810.