The King’s Bedroom — Conservation Spanning Decades
The fabric from the King’s bed and its side curtains was discovered in the early 1990s, scattered across various locations. These textiles are believed to be the original bed furnishings used by George III. Alongside them, two pairs of curtains were found, bearing the same Coat of Arms as the bed panels, though woven in a different damask.
Closer study revealed that the embroidered panels, which had been joined together and used as the valance, were in fact chair backs. The true valance was later located, having been repurposed for another use. With careful examination, the pieces began to fall into place, marking the beginning of a long and meticulous conservation process.
The side curtains and bed cover were reconstructed using a damask fabric of similar design, while the back panel, valance, and window curtains were conserved. The project spanned many months, requiring considerable expertise and patience.
The Back Panel Before Treatment
One of the Curtains Before Treatment
Splitting in the Silk Damask
The Front Pelmet During Conservation
A condition check in 2023 revealed the remarkable endurance of these historic textiles; the fabrics had stood the test of time. However, some areas required further attention. The window curtains, in particular, showed signs of wear, leading to the weaving of new fabric and the remaking of the curtains, complete with the reapplication of the original Coat of Arms on the top pelmets.
Detail of Splits in the Canopy and Back Panel
Before & After Treatment
Expert textile conservation and restoration services with a passion for preserving history.