• Facets (new session)
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  • Inference Rule: asEquivalentb3sb3sifpfacetshttp://www.w3.org/2002/07/owl#ldpoplwebskos-transvirtrdf-labelvirtrdf-urlNone
    

The bed was first recorded at Boughton House, Northamptonshire, in an inventory dated 1697 of the goods of Ralph Montagu. It was made between 1678 and 1697; its exact origin and date of manufacture remain uncertain, owing to an absence of other documentary evidence. Stylistic dating does not provide a clear answer as it has elements of the styles of the 1670s and the 1690s. Ralph Montagu inherited Boughton House, Northamptonshire, from his father the 2nd Lord Montagu in 1684. Montagu spent a period of exile in France but returned on the accession of William III and was reappointed Master of the Royal Wardrobe, a position he had held under Charles II. He then extended the family seat in Northamptonshire in readiness for a royal visit King William dined at Boughton in October 1695 but the household accounts indicate that the State Apartments were not complete at that time.The King did not sleep at Boughton. The bed was certainly in place in the state bedchamber in1697 when it was described as 'In ye BedChamber A Crimson gold flowerd damask bed gold fring all Round feet coopes & fethers to ye bed & all things belonging as a thick quilt a holond quilt a fether bed & a bolster 2 blankets..' There is no surviving payment for the bed but in June 1705 the leading French upholsterer Francis Lapiere was paid £6.0.0 'for taking a crimson & gold damask bed all to pieces & new making it up again to go to Boughton'. The quality of the brocade used for the Boughton bed ensured its survival. It is listed in later inventories of Boughton House. An inventory of 1709 lists the additions by Lapiere including a case rod and curtains. By 1827 the hangings were described as much decayed. The bed was given to the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1916 as 'the old bed in which William III is supposed to have slept'. The bed was displayed at the Museum until the 1970s, when the upholstery received extensive conservation for new galleries planned for the 1980s but these gallery plans were not completed. The hangings were pieced together in a different formation to use the best preserved parts, doing away with the corner 'bonegraces' at the two end posts and forming four large curtains. The bed was again on display for a few years until the mid 1980s. It was then conserved . The bed was displayed with bed slats and a base made by the Museum, new bolster pillows and a mattress from another bed. When the plans for the new British Galleries were made in the late 1990s, discussions started on the re-instatement of the bed at Boughton House. Further conservation work was undertaken between 1999 and 2002 in preparation for the long-term loan to Boughton and it was returned to the State Bedroom there in 2003. For the loan, a new inert base was made to support the bed covers, and the modern bolsters, bed base and slats used in the Museum display were disposed of. The mattress was returned to store. Notes from R.P. 2841/16 3 April 1916 letter, Buccleuch to Cecil Smith offers "the old bed in which William III is supposed to have slept". He suggests that it might not be "of sufficient interest to occupy the large space that it requires…measuring height 14', length 7', width 6'". 4 April 1916 response, Smith accepts the bed stating "it will be of the greatest possible value to the Museum". Further April correspondence puts off collection of the bed until after Buccleuch has left Boughton in July as he "may be saved sundry remarks from members of (his) family". 15 May 1916 minute paper, Cecil Smith reports on a visit from the Duke of Buccleuch who again mentioned giving the William III bed to the Museum. No action is to be taken until he writes to say he is ready to make the gift. 23 August 1916 memo, O Brackett reports that the Duke of Buccleuch has given permission to send for the bedstead at Boughton. 31 August 1916 transit room receipt notes condition "woodwork worm-eaten (especially feet) brocade worn". 31 August 1916 Gift form, lists the bed see attached. 4 September 1916 minute paper, O Brackett reports to the Director that "the feet of the bedstead are much worm-eaten and require treatment, and nearly all the hangings are worn and damaged and will have to be repaired". Arrangements to repair are to be made with the Art Workroom -- it may take a month or two. 4 September 1916 drafter letter to the Duke of Buccleuch conveys the Museum's thanks. "The Bedstead is indeed a most valuable addition to our collection of English furniture and will…..be of very great interest to the public". Historical significance: The late 17th century state bed was symbolic of the wealth and importance of the patron. It was the focal point of the state apartment in country houses, prepared in readiness for a royal visit, and suggested an association with the crown, whether or not they were actually slept in by the monarch. They were hung with the most sumptuous fabric available, trimmed with gold or silver thread. The bed in the State Apartments at Boughton House was the focal point of a sequence of three rooms, each increasing in grandeur. It stood in the Third State Room, or State Bedroom, the walls if which were hung with Mortlake tapestries of the Acts of the Apostles. A set of six chairs were luxuriously upholstered with crimson silk damask similar to the silk of the bed.