Rebuilding the Melville Bed

NOTE: There is no sound with this video

The bed was assembled at the museum over several days

It has 60 individual parts

First, the wooden canopy for the top of the bed is reassembled at ground level

The centre section needs modern brackets to hold it in place

The canopy is covered with Chinese silk

The corner decorations are fitted in sections

They are made of pine and covered in Italian velvet

The canopy is raised off the ground

A modern board is used to support the fragile head-cloth

The headboard is attached to the bed-frame

The canopy is lowered into position

The central headboard is slotted into place

It is decorated with the Earl of Melville’ s coronet

The original canvas base-cloth is re-laced

A modern frame replaces the original mattresses

A padded cover completes the effect

The original counterpane is carefully arranged

Base valances are hooked into the bed-frame

The upper valances are attached using velcro

The curtains are hung from iron rings and rods

Modern protective sheets are removed

Tasselled cords for closing the curtains are lowered into place

Finally, the corner drapes are hung over iron brackets