Arundel Castle: A Regal Restoration Fit for a Queen
Humphries Weaving had the privilege of collaborating with renowned textile historian Annabel Westman on a breath-taking historic recreation for one of England’s most significant castles—Arundel Castle. This latest restoration focuses on a grand bedroom once specially redecorated for Queen Victoria, bringing back to life the splendour of 19th-century luxury through exquisite silk & linen brocatelle.
A Castle Steeped in History
Arundel Castle, located in West Sussex, is one of the longest continuously inhabited country houses in England. Originally built in the late 11th century by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel, the castle has been home to the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors for over 850 years. It has undergone multiple renovations over the centuries, each reflecting the evolving tastes and needs of its noble residents.
In 1846, Arundel Castle prepared to host Queen Victoria and Prince Albert for a three-day stay—a visit of immense importance. To ensure the royal couple experienced the utmost comfort and grandeur, an extensive refurbishment took place. New furniture, fine textiles, and lavish decorations were introduced to impress the monarch, making Arundel a showcase of Victorian-era opulence. Queen Victoria’s specially decorated bedroom became a striking feature of the castle’s interiors, adorned with the finest craftsmanship and materials of the time.
Recreating a Historic Masterpiece
Nearly two centuries later, the team at Arundel Castle embarked on an ambitious project to restore this extraordinary room, with Humphries Weaving tasked with reviving its dramatic silk & linen brocatelle. The process began with a close examination of the original bed set’s textile fragments. Remarkably, a nearly identical design was found in our extensive archive—one acquired by Richard Humphries in the 1980s.
With this historical reference in hand, our team meticulously reconstructed the full pattern repeat. The fabric’s unusual scale—measuring a 20” repeat width—stood out, as British fabrics were typically woven at 21” and French at 22”. In honouring this unique specification, we wove the design with two panels across the width, incorporating additional fold-out sections to allow for precise upholstery seaming.
The brocatelle’s weave structure was faithfully recreated using our state-of-the-art power looms, replicating the 19th-century techniques originally used. This intricate textile construction relies on silk warp threads to form the raised decorative figure, while silk weft yarns create the twill ground and contrasting highlights. A hidden layer of linen weft beneath the pattern adds dimensionality, mimicking the rich texture of figured velvet—a technique that epitomised the grandeur of Victorian textiles.
Perfecting Colour with Expert Precision
To ensure absolute authenticity, we were able to carefully extract a section of the original fabric from the bed canopy, revealing its original colours with the support of R.D.Robins. Through extensive dye trials and precise colour-matching at our in-house, Oeko-Tex-certified dye works, we were able to replicate the exact shades selected for Queen Victoria’s room. The result is a breathtaking three-colour custom silk & linen fabric recreation of the original textile.
Victorian Era Upholstery
This historic upholstery fabric will be used to restore the original bed tester, dome canopy, bed drapes, coverlet, headboard, and curtains. The room will once again reflect the grandeur of Queen Victoria’s visit, offering an authentic glimpse into 19th-century luxury.
Preserving Heritage Through Craftsmanship
Projects like this highlight the vital role that expert textile restoration plays in preserving our nation’s historic legacy. Arundel Castle’s ongoing commitment to conservation ensures that future generations can experience the grandeur of its royal past. For Humphries Weaving, this project represents more than just a fabric recreation—it is a continuation of a centuries-old craft, honouring the skill and artistry of historic weaving while blending it with modern precision. To read more about our process and how we work, please click here.
Soon to be unveiled, this spectacular restoration is well worth a visit. When you step into Queen Victoria’s bedroom at Arundel Castle, you won’t just be looking at a fabric—you’ll be experiencing history, beautifully woven into every thread.
To read more about what great beds Humphries Weaving has worked on, you can view them here:
https://www.humphriesweaving.co.uk/the-great-beds-of-humphries-part-three/
