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

The bed is constructed around a substantial Burmese teak frame with four broad, slightly tapered legs. Each leg is secured to the frame by four 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, including versions for the M.L.A. Flats and Hostels, Panjab University student residences and other residential buildings. The various models differ considerably. Some have wooden headboards, others cane; the height and profile of the legs vary, as do the proportions and details of the surrounding frame. Published drawings and surviving examples document a number of these variations.

The basic construction also has a relationship with the traditional Indian charpoy: a simple timber bed supporting a woven surface, over which a mattress could be placed. Here, the timber frame supports interwoven strapping beneath a removable upholstered mattress and bolster, combining a very simple principle with Jeanneret's characteristic attention to proportion and construction.

We have personally seen several variations of these beds over the years. Of the different versions we have encountered, this is the one that has always felt the most resolved to us. 

We particularly like the broad, relatively low legs, the inset ends and the proportions of the frame. Although we have had opportunities to buy other versions, this is the only variation of the Demountable Bed that we have chosen to own.

The Burmese teak has developed a fantastic deep patina through decades of use in Chandigarh. There is considerable variation in colour across the frame, together with the knocks, marks and wear that we look for in original Jeanneret furniture. The timber has not been over-restored and still very clearly shows its age and history.

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.

We wanted the upholstery to be as carefully considered as the restoration of the frame. The brief to our upholsterer is alwasy the same, upholster it to the highest possible standard and let us complain about the price rather than the quality. The work was painstakingly carried out, from the new woven strapping beneath the mattress through to the finished mattress and cylindrical bolster.

We chose a natural linen for the upholstery because we felt its quiet colour and texture worked beautifully against the dark, heavily patinated Burmese teak. The contrast allows the original frame to remain the strongest part of the piece rather than competing with it, while the simple mattress and bolster retain the restrained character of the original design.

For us, the finished bed works exceptionally well. There is a real contrast between the age and depth of the original teak and the precision of the new upholstery. The frame still has all of the marks and irregularities accumulated through its working life in Chandigarh, while everything required to make the bed comfortable and usable has been renewed to the highest standard.

Although originally designed as a bed, its low proportions also allow it to work very naturally as a daybed within a living room, study or bedroom. At 199 cm long and 97 cm deep, it is substantial enough to use properly while remaining visually light because of the open structure beneath the mattress.

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.