Southill Reimagined: A Regency-Inspired Collection by John Beavan
Blending heritage with craftsmanship, our latest collection was born from an extraordinary opportunity—a private study of Southill’s esteemed Regency furniture. From hand-drawn studies to finely crafted recreations, we’ve honoured the past to create timeless pieces for today’s interiors.
At John Beavan, we believe that truly exceptional furniture is more than just functional—it is timeless, meaningful, and crafted with integrity. Our most recent collection is a perfect example of this philosophy, born from a unique opportunity to study and reinterpret some of Britain’s finest Regency furniture.
A Privileged Invitation to Southill
We were honoured to receive a private viewing of the distinguished Regency furniture collection at Southill, Bedfordshire—an estate known for its historic interiors and rare examples of early 19th-century design. With the gracious permission of the estate, John Beavan and our team of master cabinetmakers were granted the rare chance to explore, document, and draw inspiration from this celebrated collection. This was more than just a visit. It was an immersive design experience, allowing us to study the craftsmanship, proportions, and materials of original Regency pieces first-hand. As part of our creative process, we produced intricate hand-drawn illustrations of selected furniture, which would later become the blueprint for new, bespoke interpretations.
From Drawing Board to Workshop
Our journey from inspiration to creation was meticulous and respectful. Every detail was considered—from the traditional joinery techniques to the hand-finishing process. With a passion for heritage design and period authenticity, we recreated two notable pieces: Gilt Brass-Mounted Mahogany Étageres – echoing the refined elegance and symmetry of the Regency aesthetic.
A Rosewood and Parcel-Gilt Settee and Pair of Armchairs, crafted in the spirit of a historic design by renowned architect Henry Holland. Each piece was handmade in our British workshop, using responsibly sourced hardwoods and time-honoured cabinetmaking techniques. The result is a collection that blends historical reverence with contemporary luxury—designed to last for generations.
Honouring the Past, Crafting for the Future
At John Beavan, we are proud to continue the legacy of British furniture making. Our passion lies in creating furniture that tells a story—one that connects the artistry of the past with the bespoke needs of today’s interiors. Whether you are an interior designer, private collector, or heritage property owner, we invite you to explore our bespoke Regency furniture collection and see what is possible when tradition meets innovation.