Lit a la Polanaise

Carrying on from Mary’s theme on the past and how it will influence our future, I agree, we see a heritage look often in collections of colours, patterns and furnishings.

I like to visit museums, the V & A is especially good to see the history of styles. As designer, I need to know which style is which and where the influence comes from. Other exhibitions I like to get to see are the showrooms at Christies, Sotheby’s and Bonhams, there we can see the items that have come out of attics and old palaces from Europe.

Recently at the Sotheby’s showroom was a sale of contents from a castle, I’m afraid I didn’t find out from where, but was more interested in the contents. One of the items was a magnificent lit a la Polanaise, a Louis XV, mid- 18th century, carved gilt wood frame with floral jacquard woven fabric for curtains and bedspread.

A time when canopies were lavish, but I was charmed by the painted chairs to co-ordinate with the pattern on the fabric.

Certainly a bed for a princess considering the size of the bed and the rich carving and luxurious textiles. The details of the carving were classical but with feminine touches and I liked the trimming, the matching fringe along the edges and and tassels holding the curtains back. All well made and lovingly cared for over time.

Lovely matching chairs

Which European princess slept on this bed, I don’t know, but we can get many ideas and inspirations from this bed.

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