Spreader Bar Positions

A spreader bar keeps two restraint points at a consistent distance. It may be used at the ankles or wrists, but the position, bar length, cuff fit and release hardware determine how demanding the arrangement becomes. Bed-supported ankle positions are the clearest place to begin.

The collection

8 illustrated positions

No. 01

Supine spreader bar position — Victorian painting of a woman lying back on a velvet chaise, arms stretched above her head, ankles held apart by a gilded spreader bar with red velvet cuffs.

The Compass

A Supine Spreader Bar Position

First EveningSpreader Bar

No. 02

Prone spreader bar position — Victorian painting of a woman lying face down on a chaise longue, chin on folded hands, lower legs raised with ankles held apart by a gold spreader bar with velvet cuffs.

The Long Measure

A Prone Spreader Bar Position

FamiliarSpreader Bar

No. 03

Standing spreader bar position — Victorian painting of a woman standing in a candlelit drawing room, hands clasped behind her back, ankles held apart by a gold spreader bar with red velvet ankle cuffs.

The Standing Compass

A Standing Spreader Bar Position

ConfidentSpreader Bar

No. 04

Seated spreader bar position, summer-house setting — Victorian painting of a woman seated in a wicker chair among palms, hands in her lap, ankles held apart ahead of the chair by a gold spreader bar with red velvet cuffs.

The Seated V

A Seated Spreader Bar Position

FamiliarSpreader Bar

No. 05

Side-lying spreader bar position — Victorian painting of a woman on a four-poster bed lying on her side, upper leg raised toward the canopy by a gold spreader bar with red velvet ankle cuffs.

The Side Measure

A Side-Lying Spreader Bar Position

FamiliarSpreader Bar

No. 06

Kneeling spreader bar position — Victorian painting of a woman kneeling upright on a cushioned rug, knees apart, ankles joined behind her by a gold spreader bar with velvet cuffs.

The Low Horizon

A Kneeling Spreader Bar Position

ConfidentSpreader Bar

No. 07

Front wrist spreader bar position on the Yorkshire moors — a woman holding her forearms forward with wrists separated by a short gold bar with red velvet cuffs, heather and drystone wall behind. Fine-art print; consenting adults.

The Portrait Bar

A Front Wrist Spreader Position

FamiliarSpreader Bar

No. 08

The Rear Measure

A Behind-Body Wrist Spreader Position

AdvancedSpreader Bar

The mise en place

Equipment for spreader bar

The Atlas shows the repertoire. The Marquis supplies the well-considered objects.

View at Marquis