ABarn Full of

BRASSBEDS

BYJONATHAN TEBBS

01507358092

Imagine the warmth and comfort of a Victorian bedroom. A glowing hearth, burnished mahogany, the fall of lace and, of course, a fine brass bedstead. We may have moved on from these tranquil times, but part of the picture can be recaptured from A Barn Full of Brass Beds.Whether you wish to retire to a room reminiscent of the ornate Victorian period, Edwardian elegance, the flourish of Art Nouveau or Deco design, a unique bedstead exists near Louth, the capital of the Lincolnshire Wolds.

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. The health bed was born.

Brass bedsteads, some incorporating porcelain and pearl decor, graced the finer bedrooms. More simple beds of cast iron, 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.

Antique bedsteads dating from 1840-1935 are faithfully restored to their former splendour by Jonathan Tebbs. After 18 years in the business, Jonathan has restored over 2,000 unique antique beds, but he still finds each new restoration as exciting as the first. A Barn Full of Brass Beds has not only been Jonathan's livelihood for the past 18 years, but also his deepest passion.

At A Barn Full of Brass Beds, you will look at examples of Jonathan's work to get an idea of the design which is best suited to you. Then the fun really begins, exploring every nook and cranny of the barns, searching through the piles of rusty, distressed, unrestored beds, one of which is crying out to be loved and cherished once more. You will then be able todiscuss all aspects of the design, and by doing so, become personally involved in the way in which your bed will be brought back to its former glory.

Alternatively, if your time is really precious and you don't wish to make the journey, the purchase of your bed can be done through detailed photographs and discussion on the telephone.

All of Jonathan's beds are original antiques. The iron-work is painted by hand, in any colour requested, and brass is either highly polished, first by machine and then by hand, or a more tarnished effect can be achieved. No short cuts are taken in the restoration of these fine bedsteads, so you retain the rarity and beauty of an antique, and also have the comfort we all so desperately need in modern day life.

On the subject of comfort, the old springs of these beds are removed, as modern bases are significantly more comfortable. These, and a selection of quality mattresses are available and can be purchased either in conjunction with your antique bedstead, or as a separate purchase.

We also offer a restoration service for those who have an antique bed, which is in need of care and attention. Whether your bed is aging gracefully in a bedroom or hidden in the back of your shed or barn, we can work wonders on it. Please telephone to speak to Jonathan about your personal requirements.

Please contact us on 01507 358092 with any questions. If you would prefer to email your enquiry, please include which area of the country you are in.