Name/Title
Bed Frame, EastlakeContext
In the center of the Cochran Master Bedroom sits an Eastlake style full-size bed made in America, c. 1885. The bed frame is made of walnut and consists of a headboard, two sideboards, and a footboard. The headboard features a tall pedimented crest centered by a large cartouche with acanthus and bosses above an oval panel of burled walnut. The footboard is topped with a low peaked rail and has an incised floral medallion in the center.
The Eastlake movement was a 19th c. architectural and household design movement started by British architect and writer Charles Eastlake (1836–1906). Characterized by geometric shapes, low relief carvings, and incised lines, Eastlake style was a reaction against both the extravagance of high-style Rococo Revival design and the "soulless" mass-produced furniture that became widely available through industrialization. Eastlake was a proponent of "careful craftsmanship" and praised "simple sturdy furniture." He believed that people of any status benefited from living among objects that were made with care and pride.
Although technically Victorian, Eastlake style was a precursor of the Arts & Crafts Movement in England. With its break from classical elements and ornate detailing, and its focus on democratization, we can also see early hints of modernism in Eastlake's design philosophy.
This bed is part of a three-piece bedroom set, including a bed, dresser, and washstand. It was purchased by the Cochran family, c. 1885, and likely installed where it now sits today. The Cochran's were fond of Eastlake style furniture, and many of the pieces from their time in the house are in that style.
The bed was a gift of Mr. Matthew Parten and returned to the Neill-Cochran House Museum in 2007. You can see it, and all of our "simple sturdy" artifacts, Wed-Sun, 11-4pm.
Source: Rose Heichelbech, Antique Style Guide: Eastlake FurnitureAcquisition
Accession
2007.03Source or Donor
Mr. Matthew PartenAcquisition Method
Gift