The Spangled Bed
attributed to Oliver Browne and John Baker (fl. 1620)
Category
Furniture
Date
1621
Materials
Oak, pine and metal.
Measurements
360.0 x 202.0 x 246.0 cm
Place of origin
London
Order this imageCollection
Knole, Kent
NT 129462.2.1
Summary
The wooden and metal furniture elements of 'The Spangled Bed', made in 1621 by Oliver Browne and John Baker, Upholsterers to the Great Wardrobe, for Anne Cranfield, Countess of Middlesex (d. 1670). With a deep cornice, hung with curtains of crimson and buff silk adorned with an extremely rare appliqué strap work design, embroidered, fringed with gold and silver thread and studded with metal spangles or sequins. [Conservation information to be contained in this record.]
Provenance
The earlier parts of the bed were probably acquired as a royal perquisite by Lionel Cranfield, 1st Earl of Middlesex, in his capacity of Master of the Great Wardrobe to King James I. The later, matching textiles are likely to have been added by his grandson, Charles Sackville, 6th Earl of Dorset, when the earlier material came from Copt Hall to Knole in 1701. The bed is first recorded in its present position in 1765.
Makers and roles
attributed to Oliver Browne and John Baker (fl. 1620), upholsterer