Elizabethan Oak Tester Bed

Object Description

Late Elizabethan Oak Tester Bed, Gloucestershire, circa 1590.

The tester with 12 panels carved with floral quatrefoils, having nulled-carved cornice rails. The two tier headboard with with two figural panels of Prudentia and Orpheus, representing wisdom, knowledge and longevity. Above twin floral arcades with bold lozenge carved panels flanked by foliate uprights. All supported by twin turned and leafy scale carved posts above original plain lower supports.

The Bed can comfortably accommodate a King size double mattress, this would have to be custom made to fit.

Object History

Provenance: Douglas Mackenzie Watkins Collection. Tooleys Farm, Dunmow, Essex.

Thence Loxborough Manor, Cuffley, Hertfordshire

Purchased from a Sussex Manor House, gifted to the family via their great grandfather, Douglas Mackenzie Watkins.

Object Condition

In excellent and immediately usable condition. having original cornice rails and side bearers. The Tester has been cut centrally at some time to allow access or removal to a bedroom. This has old concealed repair that is not detrimental to it visually or its usability.

Object Details