The State Bed was the most expensive piece of furniture ever made by Thomas Chippendale.

It was supplied in 1773 for a cost of over £400 (almost £50,000 today). The frame is made of intricately carved and gilded wood and the bedding came complete with three mattresses. 

Despite the bed’s great expense, it was probably only used twice. First by the Grand Duke Nicholas of Russia (later Tsar Nicholas I) and then by Princess Victoria (later Queen). Due to lack of use, the bed was dismantled in the 19th century, but it was later rediscovered and restored with support of the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2000. 

The Bed’s restoration was a major undertaking. Although many of the ornately carved pieces had been carefully stored, there were parts missing. Through the use of physical evidence on its structure, such as tacking marks and screw holes, along with documentary evidence from Chippendale’s accounts, the bed was carefully reconstructed. The wooden frame was then entirely regilded, and new fabric (replicating a scrap of damask found inside the dome) was woven to replace the original upholstery.