SPRING cleaning has already begun at Beningbrough Hall near York.

Delicate fabrics that often have to be shown in dim light for their longevity are being cleaned by specialist textile conservator Kate Stockwell.

Intricate brushing and vacuuming to remove tiny dust particles is painstakingly undertaken with the skills being passed on to the property conservation team and volunteers like Joy Kemp.

Caroline Hill, house manager, said “We’re charged with the care of these stunning state beds that are approximately 300 years old. It’s a fine balance to enable rooms to be open and visitor to enjoy the pieces. Sometimes the details can be lost, so it’s great to be able to see the delicacy of the fabric as the work is carried out.”

There is great heritage attached to the state beds at Beningbrough.

They were most likely made in the early 18th century by the French Upholster Francis Lapierre in the style of Daniel Marot, the court architect and designer who popularised baroque decoration in Britain.

They were originally made for Holme Lacy in Herefordshire the seat of the Earls of Chesterfield. The 10th Earl of Chesterfield sold Holme Lacy in 1909 and became the last private owner of Beningbrough when he purchased them in 1917.

The red bed was brought to Beningbrough by the Chesterfields in 1918, but it took many years for the blue bed to join its twin.