This bedroom set was designed by a designer named Charles Mackintosh. Simple and fashionable, while the luxury is cleverly hidden.
If you don't open the door of the cabinet on the left, you won't be able to see the exquisite patterns inside. This is one of a pair of cabinets that Mackintosh designed for a client in 1902. He liked them so much, that he made an extra pair for his own home.
The bed was one of a pair of beds owned by another client. The hangings are copied from the surviving fragments of the originals. But the bed is the original one.
The dressing table next to it looks simple, but it is not simple at all. The drawer handles are covered in mother-of-pearl. The bottom footing area actually has square holes interspersed in the strips. Even the shadows look so luxurious under the light projection.
The high-backed chair next to it is Mackintosh ‘s signature chair. The frame of this chair is made of oak and the seat is made of horsehair. Look carefully at the four legs. The front legs are different from the back ones. There is also a curved board between the two legs at the back, echoing the oval shape on the back of the chair. If the chair is placed in the middle of the room and not against the wall, it will look nice even from behind.
The wash-stand on the right is very practical. The mirror can be adjusted in height. The towels were hidden behind the doors. And there are specially designed places for candles on both sides.
The chair at the front of the room is also thoughtfully designed. The intertwining of arcs and straight lines is particularly beautiful.
Next time you go to ROM, don’t forget to go to the Europe gallery to appreciate this bedroom furniture set!