After a two-year project led by The Duchess of Norfolk alongside textile historian and consultant Annabel Westman and a team of the UK’s finest specialists, Queen Victoria’s State Bedroom at Arundel Castle has been restored to its 19th-century grandeur. Every detail has been carefully revived, from re-woven silks, bespoke tassels, hand-applied stencilling to exquisite, gilded carvings.

The room was originally created for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s visit in 1846. Over the years, time left its mark - vibrant silks lost their colour, delicate trimmings disappeared, and the gilding on the magnificent bed frame grew dull.

An article in Country Life (3^rd September 2025) ‘Fit for a queen: The Story of Queen Victoria’s state bed at Arundel Castle’ By Annabel Westman documents the approach and history. From extensive research and development the silk and linen brocatelle was recreated in crimson, pink, cream (silk) with a purple (linen-unseen, for structure). The fabric was used for upholstery and dressing of the bed & canopy, window draperies, furniture upholstery & cushions.

We previously shared a journal post about the development and weaving of the fabric that you can read here. We also supplied pure silk satin in a champagne colour for the bed canopy linings. 

This was a particularly special restoration, given both the number of specialists collaborating and also the enthusiasm of the commission. It was a treat to be invited back for the opening reception and spend time with all the contributors. As The Duchess of Norfolk said:

"This restoration is not just a return to the past, but a celebration of craftsmanship at the highest level. Queen Victoria’s visit to Arundel Castle in 1846 was a moment of local pride and historical importance, and it was vital to us that this room should be restored with the same attention to beauty and detail that marked her original visit. From the delicate reweaving of the brocatelle silks to the detailed carving and gilding of the bed frame and the stencilling work, this has been a true collaboration involving some of the finest conservators in the country.
I want to thank everyone involved for their passion, patience and skill in bringing this room back to life. We want to share it once again with visitors and hope that they will enjoy it."

Project References. Silk & Linen Brocatelle: Pure Silk Lining: 5334

Project led by The Duchess of Norfolk and Annabel

Location: Arundel Castle, West Sussex

Fabrics: Humphries Weaving

Trimmings: Sevinch Passementerie

Bed restoration and upholstery: R D Robins Upholsterers

Walls: Hesp & Jones

Draperies:J 5 Interiors

Gilding: Chyrowski Studio