A wonderful Pierre Jeanneret Demountable Bed, dating from circa 1955–56 and originally from a government building in Chandigarh, India.

The bed is constructed from Burmese teak with four broad, slightly tapered legs. Each leg is secured to the frame by two bolts, allowing the bed, at least in theory, to be dismantled. It is this construction that gives the model its name, Demountable Bed.

Jeanneret produced a number of different bed designs for Chandigarh during this period. We have personally seen several variations over the years, including examples with wooden or cane headboards, differences in the height and thickness of the legs and variations in the construction and proportions of the surrounding frame. Some versions also lack the inset detail at either end seen on this example.

Of the different variations we have encountered, this is the model we have always preferred. We like the broad, relatively low legs, the inset ends and the proportions of the frame. Although we have seen and had opportunities to buy other versions over the years, this is the only variation of the Demountable Bed that we have chosen to own.

The Burmese teak on this example has a very different character from many of the 

Chandigarh pieces we have handled. Rather than developing a dark, waxed surface, the timber retains a wonderfully dry, natural patina. The frame has been carefully cleaned but deliberately not waxed, allowing the original surface and variations in colour to remain exactly as we wanted them.

Decades of use in Chandigarh are still clearly visible throughout the frame, with dings, dents, scratches, areas of wear and oxidation to the original metal fixings. There is also a partial institutional marking remaining on one of the legs. We have made no attempt to remove or disguise these details; for us, they are an important part of the history of the bed.

The frame has been structurally restored by our trusted conservator and is completely solid. The original upholstery and internal materials could no longer be retained, so the strapping, foam, mattress, bolster and upholstery have all been renewed.

The upholstery was painstakingly carried out by our upholsterer, with the same simple brief we use for pieces of this quality: upholster it to the highest possible standard and let us complain about the price rather than the quality.

We chose a natural linen, which works especially well with the dry, pale brown tones of the Burmese teak. The woven strapping beneath the mattress was also renewed, retaining the simple construction and appearance of the original bed while making it completely usable again.

We deliberately wanted the restoration to create a distinction between old and new rather than attempting to make the entire piece appear newly restored. The upholstery is precise and fresh, while the timber frame retains the marks, surface and irregularities accumulated during its working life in Chandigarh. For us, this balance is exactly what sympathetic restoration should achieve.

Although originally designed as a bed, its low proportions also allow it to work extremely well as a daybed. At 199 cm long and 97 cm deep, it has a generous usable surface, while the open construction, low frame and tapered legs keep the piece visually light.

We have specialised in Pierre Jeanneret furniture for nearly nineteen years and have extensive experience in identifying, sourcing, restoring and selling his work. Given the number of later reproductions and incorrectly attributed pieces now on the market, we understand the importance of provenance, construction, materials and restoration when assessing Chandigarh furniture. We are always happy to discuss these aspects in detail and answer any questions regarding the attribution, provenance or restoration of our Chandigarh pieces.

Viewing is warmly welcomed at our West London showroom.

High-resolution photographs, detailed condition reports and video inspections are available upon request.

We offer local, national and international shipping.

Please contact us for further information or to arrange a private viewing.