Coffin furniture

Brass furniture from the coffin of Bridget, Lady Heathcote. The brass plate is engraved with the arms of Bridget, Lady Heathcote and inscribed:

BRIDGET HEATHCOTE

THE WIDOW & RELICT OF

SIR JOHN HEATHCOTE

BART

DIED MAY 5TH 1772

AGED 68 YEARS

The plate bears a maker's stamp BW on the back with a crown above.
Despite their late date, these ornamental accessories are in a rococo style which evidently remained de rigeur for funeral furniture: the thin brass escutcheons are stamped with figures of angels, scrolls and sunbursts while the heavy cast handles are chased with flowers and scrollwork. A section of the rich black silk velvet pall also survives.
Furniture makers and upholders were often required to act as undertakers and Chippendale was no exception. In 1772 the firm directed the funeral arrangements for the dowager Lady Heathcote, requested by her son Sir Gilbert, who was a valued customer. Chippendale delegated the job to his partner Thomas Haig and the surviving bill, amounting to £121 15s 11d, details all the expenses including accessories which must have been bought in from specialist suppliers. These included the lead lined coffin, an outer coffin covered with a black velvet pall with two rows of best brass nails, and a pair of strong handles, amounting in all to £17. The finely engraved brass plate cost £4. Then came the expenses for the mourning hatbands and gloves for the tenants and staff; the hearse and horses with ostrich plumes and the journey from London to Rutland; the opening of the family vault at Normanton and the interment.
In 1971 Normanton Church was deconsecrated as it lay within the area of the proposed new reservoir at Rutland Water. The family vault was opened and the remains lifted to be re-interred elsewhere. The opportunity was taken to study Chippendale's only known coffin and this hardware was given to the Chippendale Society.

This item is owned by The Chippendale Society. Explore the Society’s website and collections by clicking the external link below.