Beneath The Canopy

Chamberlayne Bed a facsimile copy of an impressive mahogany four poster bed purchased from a Sotheby house sale in 1998, following the dispersal of the estate of The Chamberlayne Family of Stoneythorpe Hall, Warwickshire. Here dressed with Claremont fabrics.
 
When all the Milan madness is laid to rest, there is another trip closer to home that is sure to bring much joy and some welcome comfort for those dreaming of a bit of shut eye.
 
Beneath the Canopy (open 2- 31 May) is an exhibition in praise of the four-poster and based upon a collection of bespoke beds created by Max Rollitt on display at his Hampshire showroom.
 
‘Over the years, I have spent dealing in fine antiques, many examples of exquisite four-poster beds have passed through my hands. I have always documented these, knowing that they are hard to come by. Now I find it time to awaken them from the archives and revive what is, to me, one of the most enchanting pieces of furniture.’  Max Rollitt

Max is all set to revive interest in the four-poster bed. Each new design is beautifully drawn, of contemporary proportions and can be upholstered or kept in their skeletal form.  True to form, Max is no follower of fashion so his OTT drapes are not because of the fad for boisterous maximalism but because the bed was once the most important piece of furniture in a household and dressed in swathes of lavish fabrics and ornate trims. Kings would hold court from these rooms and in medieval times they were known as the canopy bed, providing privacy and warmth.

Inspired by traditional designs, these beds have been reimagined for modern living and Max tries to use at least one in every interior design project as they combine classical elegance with the enduring pleasure of comfort. Handmade in Britain, they are made using the finest black walnut and each is custom made to whatever width, length or height the client desires.  Max is six-foot foot four so there are no limits.
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Dressing a fully-draped four-poster is an art in itself but what a great excuse to indulge in the most glorious fabrics and passementerie. Max has collaborated with his favourite fabric houses for this exhibition - Claremont, de Le Cuona, Bennison and George Spencer Designs.

Bala with de Le Cuona, New Gloucester with Bennison Fabrics and Campaign with George Spencer Designs
 
See these sleeping beauties at Max Rollitt’s showroom.
 
Max Rollitt                                            
Yavington Barn

Lovington Lane

Avington

Hampshire
SO21 1DA

 
T. +44 (0) 1962 791124
www.maxrollitt.com
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