A four post tester bed, with George III mahogany end posts and a later frame and carved textile-covered cresting covered and hung with peacock blue silk damask hangings and passementerie; the carved mahogany end posts are in the manner of Thomas Chippendale (1718-1779)

The carved tester and hangings of this four-post bed are directly inspired by the famous ‘Best Bed’ at Dumfries House, ordered by William Crichton-Dalrymple, 5th earl of Dumfries (1699-1768), which was recently restored and brilliantly re-hung with blue silk damask, as it was when originally delivered in 1759. 

Until the 19th century, elaborate beds such as this were the pinnacle of grandeur and cost. The greatest cost, which remains the case today, is in the quality of the textile, here a peacock blue silk damask with matching passementerie all conceived and made in harmony with the example at Dumfries House.