Welsh Vernacular Antiques

Description

This item is known as a 'cooling board'  and was used to rest the body for a short period following death.  it was placed on two trestles usually in the parlour room of the home.  The hands and feet were gently tied and the body  of the deceased was on show for relatives to visit and pay their last respects to.
The reason this one is important, as well as there being only a handful in existence is that this one was bought by ourselves directly from the grandson (in his late50's) of 'Len Saer' (saer meaning carpenter)  He was born in Blaenwaun and was the undertaker and coffin maker for Whitland and Narberth and from a long line of undertakers, his grandson not being one now but remembering using this board with his grandfather as a young man.  The board probably dates from the Victorian period where this practice was common, the call for such has since understandably reduced since that time.  It is made from a single slab of elm and measures 5ft 3.5" in length.
Just a small number of historic worm holes to mention and the rear of the board has a white paint mark as pictured.
This piece is most unusual, very interesting and decorative in the right setting. A true piece of Welsh history.

Our preferred payment method is by Bank Transfer - BACS, or we are happy to take payment by Cash or Cheque and by PayPal for smaller value items.

Contact Details.

Phone Jonathon & Yvonne on - 01545 580010 - Welsh and English spoken, Croeso cynnes

or Email. jonathonholder@yahoo.co.uk

Please follow us 'WelshVernacular' on Twitter and Instagram to see what we've been doing each week.


About Us.

Welsh Vernacular is an independent family business run by husband and wife Jonathon and Yvonne Holder. We are the largest and one of the longest established Welsh Antiques businesses in the UK, holding an extensive collection of Country Furniture, Welsh Antiques, Pottery, Treen and Folk Art.

Our stock is carefully selected buy ourselves using over 50 years combined experience. We only buy items that we would be happy to have in our own home ensuring each piece is the very best example of its type, honest, true and desirable.
We care about our customers and treat every item to prevent against woodworm and insect attack ensuring a quality product that is safe for your home. We pay special attention the finishing of each and every item of our furniture to ensure it is strong and sturdy and suitable for daily use allowing you to buy with confidence and peace of mind the very best that the market has to offer.

We always wish to provide our customers with as honest and detailed description of our items as possible, helping you make a well informed decision on each special purchase. And always happy to provide additional photos or measurements and expert advice should you need.

We also offer a professional and friendly delivery service with our local independent courier with all items if required (price dependent upon location). We can also offer immediate delivery of larger items within Wales by ourselves so don't worry if you only have a small car as we can help.