Tester bed
Category
Furniture
Date
circa 1720 (the damask 19th century)
Materials
Softwood, damask, silk
Measurements
333 x 152 x 195 cm
Place of origin
England
Order this imageCollection
Erddig, Wrexham
NT 1147141.1
Summary
An 'angel' tester bed, or 'lit a la duchesse', English, circa 1720, the faded blue damask elements 19th century. Of softwood, and with a moulded cornice and frieze to the concave tester above shaped upper valances, fringed and hung with tassels. The head with applied damask-covered scroll-ended mouldings and an arched head board. With lower valances and head curtains.
Full description
Traces of crimson damask remaining to the tester suggest that this might be the 'Crimson Damask Bed' listed in the 'Second best Bed Chamber' in the inventory taken at Erddig in 1726. The room was also furnished with curtains, wall hangings and window seats and chairs covered to match.
Provenance
Given by Philip Yorke III (1905-1978) along with the estate, house and contents to the National Trust in 1973.