I've had that old bed for nearly thirty years and I paid thirty pounds for it. The woman I bought it from was moving to Kuala Lumpur. There is an interesting story around her move that involves art thieves, drug dealers and dodgy barristers but it is not mine to tell. She was a generous woman that had the brass bed before me, for, with my thirty pounds in her pocket, she took me out to the Golf Club where we drank gin and bitter lemon. That was as far as it went for it turned out I wasn't her type. Not butch enough.
Bert and I dismantled the bed today. I'm turning the spare room into a little office/workroom. It will be good to gather all my paperwork and hobby kit into one part of the house.
What shall we do with the bed? Traditionally, in rural areas, old bedsteads were used to plug gaps in hedges. And we do have a couple of heifers with the wandering inclination.
It would be an ignominious end to a 19th century bed originally hailing from County Donegal. People probably died in that bed, for sure they were conceived and born it. I'm sure more than fifty people slept in it since I've had it. Those notable folk singers Tommy and Colm Sands were among them. And Hannah began in it.
Bert and I dismantled the bed today. I'm turning the spare room into a little office/workroom. It will be good to gather all my paperwork and hobby kit into one part of the house.
What shall we do with the bed? Traditionally, in rural areas, old bedsteads were used to plug gaps in hedges. And we do have a couple of heifers with the wandering inclination.
It would be an ignominious end to a 19th century bed originally hailing from County Donegal. People probably died in that bed, for sure they were conceived and born it. I'm sure more than fifty people slept in it since I've had it. Those notable folk singers Tommy and Colm Sands were among them. And Hannah began in it.
6 comments:
Those beds are very popular again. Why not try Twitter or ebay first, with the story behind it the price is bound to soar!
Sounds to me as if you could get a few pounds for it
It's amazing how some pieces can evoke a story and people from the past...it's a shame that you have to get rid of it.
I'm not ready to part with it yet. We have enough room in the sheds and beds, dismantled, don't take up much room. The original spring is long gone so I expect that would reduce its value.
It is a beautiful looking bed. Might make a wonderful gift someday when Ms. Martha marries?
Thirty some years ago I gave my daughter an heirloom bedroom suite.
These days the bed is the perch of choice for the G-grand girl with her books and family film nights.
anne
Indeed it is lovely and full of history and character. It's just not very comfortable. A new base and mattress would sort that out. I hope someone in the family does take it on.
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