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Volume 2, Number 3 March 2009 
Our news for March is one word: Sale! We offer our most popular bed, the Bidwell, at a 20% discount to those who place an order before the end of April. Details (all in large print) follow here.
The Bidwell

Bidwell bed 

  
Here is our favorite image of the Bidwell: late afternoon light, with The Figures* standing in attendance at a discreet remove, the covers louche and inviting. The waning daylight makes no unwelcome demands.
 
This is the bed we're offering on sale, a queen size Bidwell, made of tulip wood finished with milk paint and tung oil, for $2640 ($660 off the regular price of $3300). Terms are 50% deposit, in hand before the end of April, for delivery in July. Delivery or shipping are not included, and the sale is limited to the size, wood, and finish of the bed pictured. We do offer three choices of milk paint color: red on red, black over red, and black over green (seen here, although the color is indistinct in the photo). We'll be glad to send samples to help in choosing a color.
 
The Bidwell has signature New England Modern features. All surfaces are made by hand using edge tools, here mainly smooth plane and spokeshave. These tools leave subtle tracks quietly highlighted by the smooth, polished finish. The posts are square turnings, which means their elongated curves are square in section. This makes for a lively change in aspect depending on one's viewpoint. Here, seen on the bias, they show their robust profile; face-on, they look relatively slender. We always strive for pleasing shapes: in the photo, note how the light catches the reversing curve where headboard joins post, peeking around the edge of the pillows.

A truly custom-made bed has the mattress at a comfortable height, with the headboard just above it. That way pillows neither hide the headboard nor disappear under it overnight (or in the course of a late afternoon nap). Of course, "comfortable height" varies with individuals, and beds vary in thickness. We will make your Bidwell to fit your version of these specs at no extra cost, assuming use of a box spring and mattress. To accommodate a mattress with no box spring, we will make a platform of slats for an extra fee of $100.

During the sale, delivery and setup by New England Modern within 100 miles of Monterey, Massachusetts, is priced at $150. Crating and shipping to other destinations around the U.S. or overseas will be quoted on request.
 
Perhaps you've had your eye on a Bidwell for some years, or maybe it never occurred to you how special it could be to fall asleep every night and wake up every morning here. In either case, now is the time. A little thrift never hurt anyone. Call us at 413-528-9937, or send an email.
 
We look forward to taking your order. 

* The Figures, however animate they may look here, comprise a wooden sculpture by Peter Murkett, with its own photo here, at www.newenglandmodern.com.
 
Spring Seeds
 
Seeds window, ravenJust to shake thing up, in the spirit of the season, we took a few New England Modern items out of our own showroom at 70 Railroad Street in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, and down the block to Seeds (34 Railroad Street, phone 413-528-8122), where our friend Robin Ban sells a lively selection of gifts and accessories for the home. This is typical Railroad Street camaraderie, with Robin generously sharing her street-level window, and new England Modern offering Seeds customers a look at things they might otherwise miss. Browsers appreciate the relaxed and friendly atmosphere in the Berkshires, as well as the goods they find here, which are often not to be found anywhere else.
 
Store window at Seeds
 
 
Our Berkchair and Flowergate gave one of Robin's windows a fresh, spring look. The papier-mache raven that perched atop the Berkchair (also, restless fellow, on its arm) was made by our friend Christopher Keefe, and, until May, you can take him home (the bird, not Chris) for the bargain price of $50. After April, nevermore.
 
By the way, the magazine on the table in the picture is the current issue of Berkshire Living, open to page 38, where Assistant Editor Alison McGee wrote a nifty profile of New England Modern. Pick up a copy when you visit!
 
 
As I write, it's the warmest, longest day this year.

 
Best, 
 Signature
 
PS  Remember, at New England Modern we produce furniture, architectural woodwork, landscape woodwork, and accessories. Commissions are always welcome, and we will ship anything anywhere. Visit our website www.newenglandmodern.com to see the full range of what we make. And stop by our showroom! It's at 70 Railroad Street in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, and although we spend most of our time making things, we're there every Saturday 11 - 4, and are happy to meet you there any time by appointment. Call the showroom Saturdays at 413-717-2530, or call us at the shop, 413-528-9937.