Elizabeth’s Bedroom Update
Posted
13th August 2020
in blog, Collection
Despite the lock-down and closure of the House we are still on track to restore Elizabeth’s bedroom this year, albeit a little later than we planned. Whilst the house was closed we continued with our fundraising, and aided by donations from several read along discussions online we are now very close to our target of £10,000. Big thanks to everyone who has supported us.
Work restarted in July with the fitting of the bedroom fireplace, provided by Nostalgia UK Ltd. Taking three days to complete, it also involved opening up the previously boxed in chimney breast. Looking at it now, complete with the coal scuttle and fire irons we acquired earlier this year, the fireplace has transformed the room into a would-be bedroom.
One of our volunteer team used lock down time to research and purchase textiles such as a night gown and bed-linen. She also got items of clothing and accessories that will adorn and fill a wardrobe – our trousseau is filling up nicely!
As the house closed to the public in March, we took delivery of a chaise longue, purchased a Chevalier mirror and began discussions in regards to acquiring a wash stand and dressing table. Our shopping list still includes a half-tester bed, wardrobe, bedside cabinets and a suitable flat weave carpet. Now that auction houses and dealers have reopened we can resume our search for these items.
Staff returned from furlough at the start of August and now that the House is once again open to the public we will be resuming with this much loved project. Next on the to do list is sorting the electrics, painting and wallpapering ( sponsored by Little Greene). This should keep us busy for a while. (At the start of the year our volunteer working group pulled up the carpets, prepped the walls and sanded the woodwork.)
Don’t forget that for now the bedroom door remains ajar for visitors and volunteers to see the progress being made. Do take a look when you visit.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this restoration project so far. If you would like to make a donation, please do so via this link https://www.givey.com/donations/MTU5NjQ2MzM2NHdReUI
Sally Jastrzebski-Lloyd
House Manager
