How did the Mexican bed come to Britain?
Perhaps one of the strangest events in furniture retail in Britain is the question of how Mexican furniture, from a country with no strong historical, geographical or cultural links with Britain should have become so immensely popular. In searching for answers to this mystery, perhaps one of the best places to begin is by considering the history of both countries. Mexico is the country immediately to the south of the USA was originally populated and governed by civilisations such as the Olmec, the Maya and the Aztecs (none of whom had what we would recognise as Mexican beds!). Then, in 1521, Mexico became a colony of Spain. This situation lasted for the next 300 years until Mexico became independent in 1821. It is not surprising, after three hundred years of colonial rule, that Mexico had inherited many of its cultural influences from Spain. This included obvious signs such as language and less obvious elements such as a similarity in the style of furniture – perhaps even a strong Span
