Mrs. Carlyle's Red Bed
Date
1770 - 1799
Materials
Mahogany, Pine
Measurements
219 x 123 cm; 200 cm (Length)
Collection
Carlyle's House, London
NT 263517
Summary
A mahogany four-poster bed, possibly Scottish, containing late 18th century elements, the foot posts are of turned and reeded mahogany, with ebonized line-inlay to the lower section. The head posts, head board, side rails and slats of pine (some elements probably later). The associated cornice is of pine (one corner replaced) with a simulated grain painted to the sides. On ceramic castors. The red cotton brocade valance with white trim tied with cotton ribbons to iron support rails attached to the inside of the cornice. The side curtains of faded purple cotton brocade with white edging, the rear curtains of red cotton brocade backed with white linen. The curtains and valance are not original to the bed but are possibly from one of the other beds which would have originally been located in the house.
Provenance
In her letters Mrs. Carlyle often refers to it as her 'own red bed' such as in her letters to Thomas Carlyle on the 9th September 1841 and the 13th August 1843. The bed was gifted in 1882 to Mrs. Warren (Carlyle's housekeeper). Presented to the Carlyle's House Memorial Trust by Mr. Caney in 1896. The curtains which are not original to the bed were presented by Alexander Carlyle, date unknown. The National Trust took over the management of the house in 1936.