The most famous bed in the world? | The Great Bed of Ware | V&A
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2021
- Join Furniture curator Nick Humphrey as we pull back the sheets on The Great Bed of Ware. Hear about its racy reputation as we explore the bed's history, showcase its intricate woodwork, and examine the graffiti carved by those who slept in it.
Thought to have been made as a tourist attraction for an inn, The Great Bed of Ware is considered by some to be the most famous piece of surviving English furniture. The bed has not only appeared in literature from Shakespeare, Ben Johnson, Lord Byron and Charles Dickens, but it also featured in exaggerated bawdy rumours surrounding how many people had slept in it at one time!
01:39 Layers of replica Elizabethan bedding
03:29 Intricate woodwork:
04:34 Graffiti
05:25 Literary references
Find out more about The Great Bed of Ware: www.vam.ac.uk/articles/great-...
See our Furniture Collection: www.vam.ac.uk/collections/fur...
I like big beds and I cannot lie.
You other slumberers can’t deny.
I hate single beds.... How can someone sleep on them 🤣
Lol biggi approves
Lol stop it
😀😂
Big enough that four couples can sleep comfortably.
We forget that in past times bedsharing was commonplace. A far cry from the private rooms with en suite facilities expected by travellers today.
And people were of course much smaller then,
so far more bodies could be put on the one mattress.
Those were extremely economical times.
@@mutestingray The entire methodical logic reeks of extortion.
@@mutestingray Nonsense. Puritans practiced bundling courtships.
I find it very interesting how the museum's reaction to the graffiti has changed over time and wonder how the bed's contemporaries viewed the graffiti. Historical museum pieces can sometimes, when too perfect, seem lost in time and disconnected from their own histories. On the other hand, this bed proudly bears its scars and tells the story of the people who enjoyed spending the night underneath its sheets.
That's true, I wonder if our modern day graffiti will be just as interesting in 100 years time?
Imagine hitting your knee on one of those bed stay poles in the middle of the night.
I WOULD RATHER STEP ON A LEGO.
@@mattmusgrove143 i wouldn't go that far but pretty close!
Or hitting your pinky toe😭
How would that even be possible? As you're falling out of the bed?
For those wondering what the exact size of the bed is, the dimensions are: 267cm high, 326cm wide, and 338cm deep!
For any of my confused 'Muricans:
8.8 feet high, 10.7 feet wide, and 11.1 feet long (rounded up from tenths place)
thank you
That’s like two queen size beds! Amazing!
I'm from Argentina and I have had the chance to visit the museum (and the bed) twice, and it's really impressive in its size. Thank you for showing it in such a comprehensive way. Stay safe, I hope someday soon to visit again.
It's possible 3 times might be overdoing it.
@@L.M1792 nah.... I'm a fast walker
@@laurabuche5191 Nice to meet you I'm a slow learner, though thorough.
Did u sleep in it?
It took me 2 weeks (visiting every day) to see all I could see in the Museums in London - with one day left I had planned to visit the Victoria Albert (albeit 1 day I knew would not be enough) - but my feet had just become too painful (my soles felt bruised and took a further 2 weeks to heal) - I must have walked at least 100km in that time, if not more. I spent all day from opening time to closing time wandering through those long halls and exhibition rooms... and to this day is one of my fondest memories of London. And sad I couldn't make it - that is of my regrets, so I enjoyed this video thoroughly (I am from Africa).
This man's speaking rhythm and accentuation are amazing, he takes spaces very seriously.
Never run a blue light on that bed.
Nooooooo
Bruh moment
why
Why??
@@socc9600 body fluids
The graffiti is the best part of this fantastic exhibit!!
YOOO, shout-out the Great Bed of Ware! I love this thing. It's lit. 🔥 🔥 🔥 😎 🔥 🔥 🔥
How am I the first to find you here?
I am also a fan of the Great Bed of Ware
Just came here after your bed video haha
I wanted to add a second comment, this one for the V&A, members and staff. The V&A is one of the most outstanding museums, my family and I have visited. Over 42 countries and countless of museums, the V&A really stands out. The collections are massive, well kept, interesting and the whole museum can not be viewed in a single visit. For someone like myself and any history loving person, the V&A is a must see destination in one's lifetime.
And it's free! Which is amazing
Wow you are quite a traveler!! Goals! Many wishes of happiness and peace towards you
It looks so fluffy.... with the pandemic and everyone is staying at home, this might comes off as handy and useful neccesity!
In 2018, we visited the V&A and I was in awe of the bed. When you stand before its massive dark wooden well warn frame, you experience a part of wonder of all those who were in the bed; and your desire to experience it for yourself. Very proud that the V&A has this, restored it, and is now a shared treasure for all to see.
I'd imagine someone is working on deciphering and researching the graffiti. Who knows which famous/interesting individuals may have scratched their names etc. in that bed over the years.
It looks nice because its in a museum could you imagine how gross and dirty those things would have been back then with the hygiene of that period, plus it was probably full of fleas and other nasties, and all those bodies together what did he say 4 couples🤢
I know right. I am sketchy of modern hotel room beds. I couldn't even imagine back then
No you are confusing the low average hygiene standerds of commoners of that time with elites who had servants to constantly clean and refresh everything.
Please just google the daily tasks made by servants. It wasn’t as dirty as a person would think it was.
There is a very interesting book on that subject by historian Bill Bryson- At Home: A Short History of Private Life
@@TheAdekrijger Those rich silks, 100% cottons and heavy tafetas did NOT dry quick enough (it takes ages to air dry tafeta & silk properly without damage). Even the rich only had about 7 to 12 outfits. They simply couldn't wash and dry quick enough to be able to change their clothes frequently in order to stay hygienic. They stunk and that's the truth.
@@elvirajameson3753 Ages to air dry silk and cotton? I’m air drying my clothes right now and it takes a few hours. Maybe a day if it’s blankets and stuff like that. And silk dries the fastest.
To see an everyday object, in this case a bed; in it's early stages is important. How we sleep is how, we lived in past lives. This bed gives us a peek at the past. Can you imagine your whole family sleeping together on this bed? I can. My Dad would be snoring. My mom would be yelling at him. My sister would be hogging the space. I would have kicked my brother off the bed. Also l would have most of the covers. Beds tell so much about us as a society. Thank you for keeping this bed in the public eye. Thank you V&A Museum.🌹💝💜🍀🌺💚🌹💝💜🍀🌺💚🌹💝💜🍀🌺💚🌹💝💜🍀🌺💚🌹💝💜🍀🌺💚🌹💝💜🍀🌺💚🌹💝💜🍀🌺💚🌹💝💜🍀🌺💚🌹💝💜🍀🌺💚🌹💝
This is such a lovely bed, the colors are awesome too. Thank you for highlighting my comment. Stay safe. 🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖🍀🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚💜💜💖💚🌺💜💖💚
1:10 something about him saying that stone cold is hilarious
Did you mean mischief?
I giggled at 6:41 ...
Another extraordinary bed that is personally my favorite, is the bed of Mark Twain. He had it imported from Italy, I believe. Of course, it's not as big and grand as this bed. However, the old carvings on the bed posts, headboard and frame are remarkable. I believe they are angels that are carved into it. I could possibly be wrong. I've only seen it once, years ago when I toured Mark Twain's house. I remember being in awe at how beautiful and pristine a piece of furniture could be. Especially one with such history. His house was designed based on victorian goth, the outside as well as the inside. The inside is so dark and eerie but gosh, it's breath taking! The tiles, bricks, and wood, extremely gothic and dark but stunning! Oprah and Alex Trebec (RIP) would stay at the house from time to time, considering they are huge fans of Mark Twain. I always wondered if they had the pleasure of sleeping in his bed when they would stay over night there. I believe the jade green tiles that make up the fire place are made from Tiffany. There was also a door made from Tiffany that led to the common room. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to see the door because it was traveling the world, being on display at a Tiffany expo. Anyhow, if anyone ever comes to Connecticut, the Mark Twain house is a place you MUST visit. It's apparently haunted as well. Staff members tell stories from their own experiences and it's been featured in many paranormal books of New England. It's actually considered one of the most haunted places in CT. During Halloween they give ghost tours which is something I've been dying to attend but tickets are limited and get sold out so quickly. 💀👻
What a really amazing bed this is. It measures 10' x 11'. If is almost theatrical. What a wonderful piece of late Tudor history.
the graffiti is what gives it its rudeness charm and charisma! lol glad they dint decide to "restore" it by removing it!
Such beautiful craftsmanship and it looks so comfortable.
Lord Byron would emphasize the sexual connotations of the bed. Where in Dickens is it mentioned? In the letters or the novels? I enjoyed it a lot. Thank you!
Charles Dickens' "The Holly Tree" [also known as "The Holly-Tree Inn"--it's available online, at no cost. Note that Dickens probably did not write the entire story himself.]
Uhhhhh bedbugs attach themselves to anything, everything and everyone, linen, nightgowns and the bed itself. Anyone who slept in that bed would then carry around with them (packed in luggage) whatever had attached itself to them. Hence the nickname (for the bug) “hitchhiker”.
That is why I fear bedbugs
If you live in Alberta, as I do, and you've got bedbugs, (not a huge problem, dry and cold) , if the temps drop down to -30C, just throw everything outside, and the cold will kill them. Needs a couple of days. We just got through a cold snap with -36C, but I've got no bedbugs. And, there are dogs trained to sniff them out, in the UK
If that bed could talk!
Maybe it’s best it doesn’t...🙀
This was fascinating!
Spectacular on every level! Thank You!
you brought that piece of history to life
A replica of the bed, complete with painted surfaces would be a nice addition to this episode, be it wood, or computer generated detailed imaging.
Looks very cosy and beautiful
Thank to wonerful introduction piece by piece from V&A that made me realised what I missed and put in my list what to see in the next visit. Also the choice of words are so educational for non-native speaker. I learnt a lot. Thank you.
Wonderful video. Thank you for creating it. Love the bed though not the mattress!
That seems very comfortable, I'd also give it a try. 😂
The bed is so beautiful. It’s the kind of bed I would want in my imaginary opulent mansion/palace.
You a freak.
I could live in that bed
Even if all its former occupants come visit you at night?
@@katerinadicamella that would be one of the wildest parties ever.
I like it. It’s luxurious with lots of comfort and space.
i could listen to him all day.
What a great way to bring this to life! Also loved the pithy vocab lol!
I’m in bed watching this. Yes, my bed is jealous.
I saw it when it came home to Ware. Amazing piece.
I walked past this place a few years ago. I wish I went in now.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH
Más que una cama es una verdadera obra de arte
Interesting history/ story this bed has.
I've seen this bed it is enormous. Wish it was lighted better.
Wow, this is amazing…
Funny that I'm watching this video at bedtime in my own 200 year old bed.
nice to have such history at home
Hope you changed the sheets in all that time.
Really
Cool
Hope you changed the mattress in all that time, never mind the sheets
Beautiful
Love this bed, its epic
god. what i would do to have a bed like that. its so cozy and comforting
Bed, fabulous....but let’s talk about his tie and where I can find more information on the maker 🙏🤩🥳
i wanna move into that bed and live in it forever
Thay bed is beautifull. I like how it has cortains you can close. Reallu confie an cousy.😻😻😻😻😻
The bed layers sound comfortable
4:44 The way he says "graffiti" that first time is like he can't spit out the world fast enough out of his mouth. LOL
Best is.... take a thick soft mattress... Spread it on a clean floor... Take two soft pillows... Switch on your AC and sleep peacefully 😊😊
It is fascinating to hear stories like this but I don't think I would sleep in that bed even giving the chance... just a bit too creepy😬
Yes and Depresing
A busting celebrity- ! who could have ever imagined during the Elizabethan period- that this bustling, romping, sexy night world of survival era furniture would be in a museum for all the world to speculate on its imagined vast scale memory. FANTASTIC. 🌐✒🛏✒🌐
I’d love to read all them graffiti marks it’s so unique
simply divine
Not gonna lie that looks soooo comfyy
The most fabulous bed in the world!
This sounds like a Dr. Seuss piece
Where or where is the Great Bed of Ware? It is not here by this hare, nor here by this chair. Over there I say! Over there is the Great Bed of Ware - With all its sheets and linens made from sheep's hair. Beware o' beware the Great Bed of Ware nasty biting bugs make it their lair.
thank you
Pretty cool
Good Job I like it bro
2160p? I wasn't aware it could go that high.
Love it
It is very common in India & Nepal. still, we can see in Some old houses.
yea even i have one, 150yrs old
The province of this artifact is beautiful
its midnight and I should be asleep rn... I don't even know how I ended up here
I was expecting Tracy Emin's bed. Now, that's a famous bed.
Wow what a great bed ....
So magnificent!
When he gestured with the bed stays... I am so weak.
BeWARE, I heard anyone who sleeps in this bed becomes a WAREwolf!
So what is the overall size of the sleeping area, is there a standard mattress size that it can be compared against?
Explore the Collections can tell you a bit more about the dimensions: collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O9138/great-bed-of-ware-bed-vredeman-de-vries/E
If my very rough calculations are correct it’s the size of two Queen beds plus 8” wide with 7” shy of another Queen bed laid horizontally at the bottom. The technical term is humongous.
I just looked it up and compared it to modern bed sizes. The bed itself is approximately the width of 2 normal full size mattresses so, given the size of the posters, a bit wider than a California King for sleeping area.
It’s the size of my bedroom 😂😂
We are in desperate need of beauty in these dark times. Please concentrate on such things - your glorious collections .
I think the fabulously carved wooden gothic bed at Ludwigs Neuschwanstein castle is one of the most fabulous beds I’ve ever seen. It took many carvers many years to finish! The matching room paneling etc. was another many years to carve.
How do you bring this to historical show and tell with a straight face?
What is the name of the short sticks ? Bedstays? Bed steads?
From 5:03 - another notch in the bedpost - I wonder which Casanova was responsible for those
Made me think of Tracey Emin and her works "My Bed" and "Everyone I Have Ever Slept With 1963-1995".
Clearly you can see Indian architect in this wooden carve..🙏bcoz my grandpa have the same bed in our home and we are using till now
British museums be like
ahh yes we display the largest bed from a Brothel of the middle ages,
Imagine thinking that bringing your own sheets will vanquish bed bugs.
It’s truly better than nothing at all. At the very least you’re protecting yourself from other peoples body soil. Still a problem in hotel rooms today!
Que linda
when did people start sleeping flat rather than sitting up and why did it change? I've not found anything to say about this.
*3:18 Oak Bed Stays” to keep the covers from slipping? I thought it was there in case you had a whack an intruder upside the head. 🤷🏻♀️
I imaging on the frosty nights of little ice age, it must be wonderful to sleep in it.
Looks like a Gryffindor bed ❤️
Nice
Those bed-stays would have a very modern purpose, as well
Ha!
"Here we can see historic markings of what seems to be spunk"
Makes me think of the 2016 horror film called 'Bed of the Dead' 😱
Obviously if is gryffindor’s house
I was looking for this comment!
anyone else reminded of the mixed up files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler?
I actually have this bed. I sleep like baby. I honestly don't leave this bed very often. Mine has 6 engraved mirrors above my head. I live alone in 17 bedroom home on 25 acres. I get lonely some times mate. I'm in my 40s & dating is just blah. I think I'm going to die alone. Nevertheless, this bed is the best bed you can purchase. I've the three mattresses as well. Very comfortable. I fancy living in my bed 😊
I thought he was gonna say knocking out thieves about the bed stays
Not a huge fan of the Ronald McDonald curtains
Can't unsee it now
ahahahahaahah
@@vamuseum 😂
Tina Burner has entered the chat.
Sir Ronald McDonald to you!
I MUST have a this bed in my bedroom NOW!!