Chippendale Canopy Bed ca. 1750-1790
This type of bed was also known as a 'bedstead', meaning a wooden frame with a mattress. Although a few high-post bedsteads in the Queen Annne style have been found in America, the story of fine American bedsteads really begins at 1735 with those having square block feet or ball and claw feet in the Chippendale style. The high-post bedsteads became an article of elegance in America, as it was in England, with the increase in wealth and the building of houses. The wood used in the bedsteads in America was generally mahogany.
Since there were no commercial springs available for bedr, it was common practice to have rope springs which were strung in both directions giving the support for the straw or down feather filled mattress. This bed has square legs, terminating in square block feet, not tapered. At first sight they may appear to be tapered spade feet such as were used by Hepplewhite and Sheraton on side boards and other pieces. The foot-posts were fluted, but the head-posts were plain columns. All the posts were slightly tapered.
The canopy curtain and foot skirt were commonly covered with a matching design of the wall covering. The fabric design was also found in drapery material giving this classic bed and elegance of the colonial sleeping salon.
My miniature version is made from a kit from The House of Miniatures Collectors Series.
Souce: The House of Miniatures Collectors Series
