Untitled
Category
Textiles
Date
Unknown
Materials
Wood
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Belton House, Lincolnshire
NT 434822.3.1
Caption
A magnificent bed for a modest queen - the Queen’s Bedroom at Belton House, Lincolnshire was redecorated for Queen Adelaide, who visited in 1841. The canopy bed dates from 1813 but was refurbished in the revived Rococo style with the queen’s monogram embroidered in silver on the headboard. The braids, fringes and tassels are original although the striped silk is rewoven. Humble Queen Adelaide, a favourite aunt of Queen Victoria was the queen consort of King William IV. The king had ten illegitimate children during a 20-year affair with actress Dorothea Jordan. Although Queen Adelaide was willing to take on his step-children, sadly she produced no heir to the throne, losing two daughters in early infancy and suffering from several miscarriages.
Summary
The textile elements of an early Victorian light oak and parcel-gilt canopy bedstead in the rococo style. The canopy with shaped scrolled and pierced cornice centred by the monogram of Queen Adelaide below a crown. The shaped pelmet and hangings of crimson striped silk with heavily fringed and braided borders. The domed interior with crimson silk, the shaped and padded headboard upholstered in crimson silk velvet with couched silver thread monogram crown and braided borders. The foot end of shaped and scrolled outline carved with acanthus. [Conservation information to be contained in this record.]