The construction of the replica, according to the artisanal methods of the period and using the same type of materials, was documented, notably in a watercolor by Ferdinand Feubure, dated 1850. This project took a year to complete, confessed its creator, carpenter Rodrigo Bobone, to the Lusa agency.
This project, initiated in 2022, was an investment of approximately 100,000 euros, as stated by João Sousa Rego, president of Parques de Sintra-Monte da Lua (PSML), to Lusa.
Parques de Sintra-Monte da Lua is a publicly funded company aiming to safeguard and enhance the world heritage landscape, responsible for managing several monuments, among them the National Palace of Queluz (PNQ).
The bed is located in the D. Quixote Room, “one of the most sumptuous” of the Palace, according to the PNQ conservator, Hugo Xavier. This room has served various functions throughout the history of the Portuguese monarchy, including convening State Council meetings.
In this room, known as the King’s Bedroom, D. Pedro IV, the 26th King of Portugal and the first Emperor of Brazil, passed away. This was precisely on September 24, 1834, just two weeks shy of his 36th birthday, four days after his daughter, D. Maria II, became Queen of Portugal.
Known as “the soldier king,” D. Pedro led liberal troops against his brother D. Miguel, a supporter of absolutist monarchy.
The monarch declared Brazil’s independence on September 7, 1822, and his military, political, and diplomatic actions established liberalism in Portugal, forcing his brother into exile in Austria after capitulating and signing the Convention of Évora Monte in 1834.
The replica of the bed, in the empire style, was crafted by Rodrigo Bobone, marking his first work for the PNQ.
The woods used in construction were listed in the Palace’s inventory. “Hawthorn wood, which is somewhat challenging, yellowish in color, very dense with a characteristic smell, and for the interiors, red casquinha, and stainless steel for the structure,” said carpenter/restorer Rodrigo Bobone.
Adília Botelho was responsible for the textiles, utilizing damask, upholstery piquet, animal and plant hair, and plain textile-like cashmere, while the tassels were handmade and loom-made, she explained to Lusa.
The original bed, dated around 1800, was destroyed in a fire at the PNQ in October 1934. The reconstruction was made possible by the palace’s internal research team, explained João Sousa Rego, stating “the aim is to enhance the quality of the visit and allow visitors to experience the era.”
He indicated that “several projects with historical research are associated with the PNQ,” with inauguration expected next year, such as the restoration of the room following D. Quixote, the oratory of D. João VI.
Sousa Rego noted that PSNL aims with these interventions “to provide a differentiated cultural tourism offer.”
The PNQ, on the outskirts of Lisbon, occupies an area of approximately 16 hectares and has 60 of its roughly 100 rooms available for visiting.
