Valance
1570-1599 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Valances were the borders or bands that ran around the two sides and end of an Elizabethan bed, hiding the bed rail or the place from which the bed curtains were suspended. They formed a frieze that was particularly suitable for embroidery with figure subjects, often featuring a narrative to provide interest and entertainment. Sets of bed hangings also created a draught-free and private sleeping compartment.
The style and workmanship of this valance suggests that it was made in a professional workshop either in France itself or under strong French influence. It depicts a scene of courtly life in an ornamental garden landscape, with figures in rich contemporary fashions.
The style and workmanship of this valance suggests that it was made in a professional workshop either in France itself or under strong French influence. It depicts a scene of courtly life in an ornamental garden landscape, with figures in rich contemporary fashions.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Embroidered in silks and wools on linen |
| Brief description | Embroidered valance in silks and wools on linen, possibly made in England or France, 1570-1599 |
| Physical description | Embroidered valance in silks and wools in tent stitch on linen, with a scene of courtly life in an ornamental garden landscape with figures in rich contemporary costume. A king is standing on the left with a black boy bearing the train of his robe. To his left are three richly dressed nobles, two of whom appear to be holding a bird. In the centre of the valance is a seated lady attending to her hair assisted by her maid-servant. A gentleman advances on her right. On the right, the same king is seated and is attended by a courtier. He appears to be receiving the same gentleman as in the previous scene. The main colour effect is that of blue, green and yellow. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Gallery label | Treasures of the Royal Courts: Tudors, Stuarts and the Russian Tsars label text:
Bed valances
1580–1600
Sets of bed hangings created an enclosed, private space within the bedrooms of palaces and grand houses. They were a focal point for luxurious decoration. The horizontal form of valances suited narratives that continued around the bed. These four valances show scenes of courtly life and stories from classical literature.
England, Scotland or France
Linen canvas, embroidered with wool and silk
V&A T.135, 136-1991. Bequeathed by Maud Ochs
V&A 879&A-1904 |
| Credit line | Bequeathed by Miss Maud Lilian Ochs |
| Object history | Registered File number 1957/3032. Formerly on loan to the museum, between 1957 and 1991. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | Valances were the borders or bands that ran around the two sides and end of an Elizabethan bed, hiding the bed rail or the place from which the bed curtains were suspended. They formed a frieze that was particularly suitable for embroidery with figure subjects, often featuring a narrative to provide interest and entertainment. Sets of bed hangings also created a draught-free and private sleeping compartment. The style and workmanship of this valance suggests that it was made in a professional workshop either in France itself or under strong French influence. It depicts a scene of courtly life in an ornamental garden landscape, with figures in rich contemporary fashions. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.135-1991 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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