Aston Hall full tester embroideries

Four poster bed with 17th century embroideries from Aston Hall, Birmingham. Four poster bed with 17th century embroideries from Aston Hall, Birmingham. Copyright Birmingham Museums.

Embroidered bed hangings from Aston Hall, Birmingham, have gone on display again in August 2021 after a ten-year conservation project. The wool on linen hangings decorated a full tester bed in which, so it is sad, King Charles I slept in 1642. The hangings include two curtains,  pelmets and a bed covering, and are decorated with crewel work.

The motifs include a Tree of Life, flowers, birds, deer, and a Chinese-style pavilion. The woollen embroidery threads are dyed with natural dyes in blue, green, yellow, orange, ed and pink.

17th century embroidery from Aston Hall, Birmingam. Copyright Birmingham Museums.The restoration work was carried out by The Arts Society in Arden, Solihull, and Friends of Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.

For further information about Aston Hall, click here.

See also a crewel work bed hanging now in the V&A.

WV, 28 August 2021

17th century embroidery from Aston Hall, Birmingam. Copyright Birmingham Museums.

Last modified on Saturday, 28 August 2021 14:33