Tester bed
Category
Textiles
Date
1640 - 1660
Materials
Oak
Measurements
188.1 x 147.2 cm; 209 cm (Length)
Place of origin
England
Order this imageCollection
Oxburgh Hall, Norfolk
NT 1209698
Summary
A joined oak tester bedstead, English, mid 17th century The canopy with eight panels with reeded edge and centered by a diamond motif around a larger conforming panel and with a molded cornice and fluted frieze edge. The head board with a single rectangular panel carved with repeating floral decorated arches and flower heads with a narrow shelf below three arcaded panels with fluted columns and scroll decoration centered by stylized floral designs and flanked by figural pilasters. The canopy held at the foot board by turned cup and cover supports joining square section legs and with a plain twin paneled board. Retaining the original side rails with holes for the rope mattress base but now with a later mattress base added.
Full description
This bed is of exceptional quality and has, remarkably, survived with little alteration or repair. It is quite likely that it was made for the Queen's room and has remained there since. For a similar example see Chinnery, Victor, Oak Furniture, the British tradition pg.390 plates 3:461 and 3:462
Provenance
Part of the Bedingfeld Collection. By descent to Sir Henry Bedingfeld 10th Bt (b.1943) and loaned by him until purchased by the National Trust in 1988.
References
Chinnery 1979, Victor Chinnery, Oak Furniture: The British Tradition (ACC revised 2016), plate 3:461 and 462