Couch of state
Category
Furniture
Date
1892 - 1945
Materials
Oak, textile
Measurements
92 x 100 x 230 cm
Place of origin
England
Order this imageCollection
Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
NT 1128021.1
Summary
One of a pair of reproductions of Christian Bruce (1595-1675), Countess of Devonshire's state couch (NT 1127775 now on display in the Long Gallery), English, 1892-1945. Notes made by Evelyn Cavendish (1870-1960), Duchess of Devonshire reveal that these were made at her instigation and displayed in the Duke's Room, so they must have been made some time after her marriage to the Duke of Devonshire in 1892 and the writing of the notes in 1945. Of oak, and comprising two sloping and panelled ends, set at an angle to the plain stiles. Each of two slender panels over three rectangular panels, spaced by applied split baluster mouldings. The toprail to each end with applied or moulded cap, and fitted to the underside of each end with scrolling spandrels or ears. With oak slats. Each fitted with three mattresses (two hard and one soft) and one bolster.
Provenance
Made 1892-1945. Thence by descent until, following the death of Edward William Spencer Cavendish, 10th Duke of Devonshire (1895 - 1950), Hardwick Hall and its contents were accepted by HM Treasury in part payment of death duties and transferred to the National Trust, in 1959.