The Corbett Bed

I went to the museum today to see The Wildlife Photographer of the year results. Amazing photos. Whilst I was there, I went to see The Corbett Bed, which I think is utterly exquisite. Here is some information about creating these new drapes and specifically about Margaret Owen’s ( https://www.blipfoto.com/entry/3190054790394546155 ) involvement in the project. Two of my friends embroidered many of the pieces that were put on the velvet. So talented.

´The bed is displayed (2010 onwards) with a set of six curtains, a counterpane with the Corbet arms, and three embroidered lower valances made 1997-2010 by a team involving 170 Shropshire people, some working as far away as New Zealand. The curtains and counterpane were inspired by hangings that survive at Hardwick Hall. The valances with Shropshire scenes were inspired by the Bradford table carpet, (V&A: T.134-1928) embroidered 1600-15.

The designs for the embroidered floral slips were created by Margaret Owen with reference to embroideries in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, Traquair House, Hardwick Hall, Blickling Hall and Parham House. Designs were drawn on graph paper with felt tip pens, and kits made up using Madeira silks and canvas (18 hole per inch). The cotton-backed, silk plain-cut velvet was attached to beech wood frames which could be worked on by up to 10 people. The cut-out slips were then attached to the silk using a grid pattern, overseen by Margaret Owen’.