Chatsworth House

New fashion exhibition inspired by Duchess Deborah to launch at Chatsworth

The Chatsworth House Trust has announced it will be opening a new exhibition showcasing renowned London-based fashion house, ERDEM’s Spring Summer 2024 collection, which is inspired by Duchess Deborah and the Devonshire Collections.

From 22 June – 20 October 2024, Chatsworth will be home to Imaginary Conversations, an exhibition which celebrates the legacy of the late Duchess, using the house as a source of inspiration for the collection.

As part of the research and development process for the collection, Erdem and his design team were given access to the extensive archives at Chatsworth. Archival fabrics from the collection, including historic curtains that once hung within the house, were reimagined into the collection along with the shapes, silhouettes and styles of the pieces Duchess Deborah wore.

Imaginary Conversations provides insight into Erdem’s creative process, from the initial thrill of discovery when delving into the Chatsworth archives, to the artistry and techniques of designing new clothes.

Erdem Moralioglu MBE, Creative Director and Founder at ERDEM, said: “I have always wanted to create a collection on Deborah, Duchess of Devonshire and the history of Chatsworth. I have long been fascinated by her story and found the archives at Chatsworth to be endlessly inspiring.”

Set within the guest bedrooms, the exhibition brings together historic prints and drawings, textiles, jewellery and photographs, with the eclectic taste of Deborah, the late Dowager Duchess, woven throughout.

Key looks from the Erdem SS24 collection will sit alongside the source material. Collectively, these stories of the past and present pay tribute to British craft and flair, reinforcing Duchess Deborah’s inimitable spirit and vision.

Imaginary Conversations celebrates how Chatsworth, and the Devonshire Collections, can inspire the artists, makers and designers of today.

Jane Marriott, Director at Chatsworth House Trust, commented: “For five centuries, Chatsworth has been a home of creativity and a source of inspiration for countless designers, makers, and artists, and we are delighted to build on this legacy with Imaginary Conversations. The exhibition provides insight into Erdem’s creative process, from the initial thrill of discovery when delving into the Devonshire Archives, to the artistry and techniques of his new designs.

“As a charity, we care for the incredible Devonshire Collections in order to share them with everyone. It is so exciting to see the historic collections reimagined through a contemporary lens in this way, and we hope that by sharing the process behind this collaboration we can inspire the next generation of creative leaders.”

The exhibition begins in the Queen of Scots’ Lobby, with cases filled with material that once belonged to Duchess Deborah, including letters, objects and photographs of particular inspiration to Erdem.

At various points throughout the exhibition, largescale projections will play the Spring Summer 24 catwalk show, immersing visitors in the live experience.

A recording of the Duchess’s voice, used in the Spring Summer 24 fashion show soundtrack for the launch at the British Museum, will play in the background, and Lucian Freud’s portrait of the Duchess, Woman in a White Shirt, will bring her voice to life. Whilst select pieces from Duchess Deborah’s legendary jewellery collection of insects will also be displayed amongst pieces from Erdem’s collection.

The exhibition concludes in the Wellington Bedroom, where Duchess Deborah’s own inspirations and passions are to be displayed alongside the looks from Erdem’s collection that honour them.

Lady Burlington added: “Chatsworth’s fashion archive is perhaps a lesser-known part of the collection, but seeing Duchess Deborah’s clothing inspire this new body of work by Erdem, and being able to bring these pieces back to Chatsworth with the original source material has been an incredibly rewarding process. Debo loved clothes and creativity and I hope she would be quietly pleased to see all these things she enjoyed inspire Erdem and fuel his work.”

Imaginary Conversations is sponsored by Farfetch, and access to the exhibition is included with all house and garden tickets between 22 June and 20 October 2024. There will also be a series of curator tours taking place throughout the summer.

To book tickets and find out more, visit: www.chatsworth.org/events/erdem-imaginary-conversations/

Chatsworth ERDEM Spring Summer

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International Horse Trials set to return to Chatsworth

Chatsworth is set to host its annual showcase of world class equestrian action this month, with a variety of entertainment and activities on offer during the much-loved three-day event.

The Chatsworth International Horse Trials sees the return of the British leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup, where the world’s best riders will tackle Chatsworth’s technical cross-country course, alongside elite dressage and show jumping competitions.

The challenging cross-country course is always a firm favourite, but the event also offers a range of activities for all ages and abilities including; the Shetland Grand National; have-a-go dog shows where visitors can let furry friends explore courses designed to test speed and agility; as well as the entertaining and educational sheep shows hosted by New Zealander Richard Savory and birds of prey displays from The Yorkshire Countryman.

This year will also see the return of the hugely popular shopping village and fine food walk, home to specialist retailers, as well as local businesses and artisan makers offering the finest crafts, homewares, gifts and more.

Throughout the weekend, families can enjoy wall climbing and face painting, as well as channelling their own artistic talents at drop-in pottery painting sessions to create their own piece of art to take home. For those wanting to explore beyond the event, the house and garden are open as usual, as is the farmyard, where younger visitors can learn more about their favourite friendly animals including goats, guinea pigs and chickens, and discover a number of Chatsworth’s rare breeds including Suffolk Punch horses and the majestic Cream Legbar Chickens.

From the farmyard, young adventurers can take the secret tunnel to the recently refurbished woodland adventure playground, including the newly opened tall towers and slides, as well as a climbing wall, zip wire and dedicated area for younger children, providing hours of adventure. Children can enjoy ascending to the top of the towers for a bird’s-eye view amongst the treetops and climbing into the huge Great Spotted Woodpecker – a reflection of the spectacular nature which surrounds Chatsworth.

Patricia Clifton, Chatsworth International Horse Trials, said: “The International Horse Trials is always a firm favourite in our events calendar. We’re proud to once again play host to some of the world’s best riders with the FEI Eventing Nations Cup, but beyond eventing there is so much more for all ages to enjoy – from supporting local artisan makers to marvelling at the Sheep Show Hustle!

“Whether you’re a first-time visitor looking for a fun day out for the whole family, or a seasoned equestrian enthusiast, there’s truly something for everyone!”

General admission tickets for adults are priced at £17.50 for Friday and £35 on Saturday or Sunday, and children’s tickets are £11. All tickets include free parking and child prices are for ages 5-15 inclusive. Admission is free to carers who are visiting with the person they care for.

The family event is part of Chatsworth‘s theme for 2024 – ‘Celebrating Childhood’, which includes a host of activities including a family festival from 25-27 May and the Picturing Childhood exhibition in the house, aiming to encourage visitors to experience Chatsworth from a new perspective.

The 2024 Chatsworth International Horse Trials are sponsored by Delarki, an investment firm specialising in creating and investing in early-stage premium food and beverage opportunities.

For more information, please visit https://www.chatsworth.org/events/horse-trials/

Planning your trip to Chesterfield and North Derbyshire? Take a look at the range of events and activities available here in Chesterfield.

Chatsworth Horse Trials - horse jumping over obstacle

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Chatsworth to celebrate childhood with a new season of activities

A new family festival, a reimagined adventure playground and a multi-sensory art exhibition are just a glimpse of the year-long cultural programme of events coming to Chatsworth under the theme of ‘Celebrating Childhood’, encouraging visitors to experience Chatsworth and its rich history from a new perspective.

From Saturday 16 March, Chatsworth House and Garden will re-open to visitors with the launch of this year’s exhibition, Picturing Childhood. The thought-provoking and multi-sensory exhibition is designed to be enjoyed by all ages through the lens of childhood. It will include rarely seen artistic masterpieces from the collection, some of which will be on display for the first time, alongside new commissions and loans.

Visitors are invited to see, touch, smell, feel, think, do, and play through new commissions and loans by artists that encourage hands-on and perspective-bending interactions, including a unique scent experience curated by food historian and scent artist, Tasha Marks, and ‘Anthronaut’ series by Abigail Reynolds, which invites visitors to shift their visual perspective of Chatsworth.

Chatsworth House Trust is also working with educational partners to ensure the exhibition creates opportunities for collaboration with those in the local community. Children from Athelstan School in Sheffield will be invited for a ‘Chatsworth takeover’ week in June, including taking charge of its social media channel.

Chatsworth is partnering with The Reading Agency, which will help share the charity’s extensive learning resources with over one million subscribers and connect with local families to guide the content of special mindfulness areas, complete with books selected by young users of Chesterfield Library.

In addition to annual favourite events including the Chatsworth International Horse Trials, Country Fair and the spectacular Christmas display, Chatsworth is launching its inaugural family festival. Taking place from 25 – 27 May, families will be invited to unleash their creativity and let imaginations run wild. Developed for all ages, activities will include mastering gravity-defying circus skills, learning bushcraft, running for gold in sports day races, walking in the footsteps of dinosaurs and scavenger hunts.

Elsewhere on the estate, Chatsworth’s much-loved woodland adventure playground is undergoing a large-scale redevelopment, enhancing opportunities for imaginative free play and immersion within the beautiful surrounding nature of the estate. Set to reopen from April, families can enjoy an exciting day out packed full of adventure and play within the safe setting of the farmyard and playground.

The year-round learning and cultural programme will include a series of events including expert-led talks, tours and workshops for adults and children to explore new pastimes or develop an existing skill, many of which will be centred on the theme of ‘Celebrating Childhood’ at any age.

These include Historic Waterways Tours led by the landscape team through Stand Wood; Cutting Garden Floristry Workshops where participants will learn how to create seasonal arrangements using flowers from the garden; Macramé Plant Hanger workshops led by a local artist, Lamb feeding experiences; and guided tours of Picturing Childhood by exhibition curator Gill Hart.

This season will also see the launch of a new pricing initiative, aiming to take active steps to remove barriers to entry and demonstrate Chatsworth House Trust’s commitment to Chatsworth being a place for everyone. This includes a £10 year-round children’s ticket, giving access to the house, garden, farmyard and adventure playground.

Jane Marriott, Director of Chatsworth House Trust, said: “Through this season celebrating childhood, we hope that our visitors can experience Chatsworth from a new perspective – one that is playful and inquisitive, that celebrates learning and encourages a deeper connection and enjoyment of Chatsworth’s rich history.

“Childhood is something that unites us all. This year we will continue to commission new and exciting artists, introduce our first Chatsworth Family Festival, and develop our learning programme that is packed with opportunities to develop new skill. We look forward to welcoming visitors of all ages to join us for a new perspective at Chatsworth.”
William Burlington, Chairman of Chatsworth House Trust, said: “We are thrilled that 2024 will be a year of storytelling, discovery and play as we celebrate children and childhood at Chatsworth throughout the year.

This year’s exhibition presents exciting new work by exceptional artists alongside the very best works from the historic collection, some on show for the first time. The exhibition has been designed to provoke wonder and to encourage new and different ways to get involved with art and ideas in the house and landscape, and we hope it will bring joy to people of all ages.”

For more information on the events being held at Chatsworth throughout the next 12 months, please visit the website here: https://www.chatsworth.org/events/
And for more information on the Picturing Childhood exhibition, please visit: https://www.chatsworth.org/events/picturing-childhood/

To find out more about upcoming events taking place across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, head over to our events page.

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chatsworth - Season Opening 1 2024

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Chatsworth opens new accessible Changing Places facilities

Chatsworth House Trust has officially unveiled its new fully accessible bathroom facility, with local partner Accessible UK attending to help celebrate the occasion and provide ongoing guidance.

Changing Places facilities feature specialist healthcare equipment including greater space to allow for a wheelchair and carer, a privacy curtain, height-adjustable bench and a ceiling-track hoist system.

Situated near the entrances to the house and garden, the new facilities help ensure that Chatsworth continues to be a place for everyone, improving access for visitors with additional needs.

Members of local charities joined for a day of celebration to launch the new facility including Accessible UK, a consultancy formed in 2014 to help improve the lives of those living with disabilities, and Fairplay, a charity formed by a group of local parents to provide accessible activity groups for children and young people. Attendees enjoyed a visit to the farmyard and lunch provided by Chatsworth.

Gillian Scotford, Director of Accessible UK, said: “Changing Places Toilets make a day at Chatsworth possible for the 250,000 people in the UK who need this vital facility. My son Thomas sadly passed away in 2017 aged 21 and he needed this facility.

“As a family we absolutely love Chatsworth and enjoy a Chatsworth Friends membership This beautiful venue has excellent accessibility, and the Changing Places was the missing link. Visitors can now relax and enjoy a full day out to explore this wonderful ‘Role Model’ attraction of excellence.”

Additional facilities to improve access at Chatsworth include free manual wheelchairs and electric scooters for visitors with limited mobility to the garden, a lift installed within the house to ensure easy access for tours, and induction loops for those with hearing disabilities.

Guided touch tours, designed for blind and partially sighted visitors, are also available at Chatsworth. A specially curated selection of items including scale-models of the House, genuine articles from collections and a range of textiles are used to give visitors the chance to interact with the history of Chatsworth through object handling and sensory engagement.

The Chatsworth shops, Carriage House and Cavendish Restaurant are also accessible, including the nearby recently refurbished Chatsworth Farm Shop which has four parking bays for Blue Badge holders.

Emma Flack, Head of Visitor Experience at Chatsworth, said: “Accessibility is a real priority for us in ensuring Chatsworth continues to be a place for everyone to enjoy independently, a home for culture and community that has people at its heart. From exploring the garden and farmyard to discovering the art collection and events taking place throughout the year, there is truly something for everyone.

“These new facilities are just one of the ways we are working to make Chatsworth even more welcoming for our visitors, and we look forward to reopening our doors for a new season next month!”

Chatsworth House Trust is a registered charity dedicated to looking after the house, collections, garden, and parkland, for everyone. Visitor income funds essential conservation and an ambitious programme of exhibitions, events, learning and community outreach. Every penny generated by ticket sales and membership is reinvested into the charity to make this possible.

For more information on Chatsworth’s accessibility facilities and to plan your trip, visit the website.

Are you planning a visit to Chatsworth or the Peak District? Find out more about Chesterfield and plan your visit to our historic town: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

Chatsworth House Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Changing Places Chatsworth

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Chatsworth begins countdown to Christmas by revealing this year’s festive attractions

The countdown to Christmas has begun at Chatsworth, as the house is set to be transformed into ‘The Palace of Advent’ for the festive season.

From 4 November – 7 January, 24 themed rooms will be filled with Christmas wonder, and the sights, sounds and scents of the season. Visitors will be invited to travel under archways adorned with candy canes, handmade Christmas stockings and mistletoe; wander through infinite snowflake showers and a glittering Christmas tree brooch forest; and get caught up in the hustle and bustle of Father Christmas’ workshop, with mischief-making elves and a giant exploding Christmas cracker.

The celebration continues in the garden, where an illuminated light and sound trail will embrace some of Chatsworth’s best-loved garden landmarks, including the historic Cascade, whose 24 stone steps will be transformed into an illuminated, interactive musical instrument that visitors can play, the giant keys lighting up to the sound of hand bells.

The light trail will culminate in a spectacular animated lightshow that transforms the house into a giant advent calendar. Created by Derbyshire-based digital artists Illuminos, the light installation will animate 24 Christmas scenes emerging from 24 windows on the south façade of the house. These will reflect the Christmas scenes within the house as well as Chatsworth’s extensive collection of art and artefacts, creating a dazzling view. The farmyard will also be transformed with lights and decorations, and families can join Father Christmas for story time in his grotto.

Paul Hayes, Visitor Experience Manager at Chatsworth said: “We’ve spent more than a year planning our celebration of advent, working with wonderful artists and creative partners to ensure that every visitor finds moments that mean Christmas to them. We’ve set out to create a sense of wonder for adults and children alike as they journey through the house and garden, and we invite everyone to become immersed in, and contribute to the displays. Christmas is a magical time at Chatsworth, and we can’t wait to share the Palace of Advent.”

Building on Chatsworth’s longstanding role as a place of art and creativity, the design team has worked with contemporary artists to create new works for the Christmas experience, including a large-scale paper cut artwork by artist Bethan Maddocks.

The work, which will be revealed in the windows of the Chapel Corridor, celebrates the generations of people who have worked at Chatsworth to maintain the house, garden and parkland for everyone to enjoy.

A highlight in the house will be a glittering Christmas tree brooch forest featuring 2,000 brooches from the extensive Guinness World Record breaking collection of Adam Wide. Adam will be at Chatsworth on Thursday 30 November to give a talk and answer questions about his collection – one of many festive talks, tours and workshops planned at Chatsworth this season.

Chatsworth’s annual Christmas market also returns from Saturday 4 to Sunday 26 November, with over 100 exhibitors offering Christmas crafts, gifts and decorations, as well as festive food, drink and live music. Chatsworth’s Orangery and Stables shops will be open all season, with Christmas gifts, homewares and clothing made by some of the region’s finest sustainable producers, designers and craftspeople.

More information about the event and ticket details can be found at our Christmas at Chatsworth event page.

For a full list of festive activities, events, and a guide to your perfect Christmas is Chesterfield, head over to the Christmas in Chesterfield page.

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chatsworth Lights exterior

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Local events and initiatives launched to benefit Chesterfield community

A host of local events and new initiatives have been announced by various organisations across Chesterfield, further strengthening the local community.

Recent initiatives launched include new networking events for businesses, a charity walk at Chatsworth, the return of the prestigious ‘In Bloom’ competition and a support group set up by Chesterfield FC for former footballers affected by dementia.

Find out more about the latest community news from across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire below.

Chesterfield In Bloom competitions now open

Chesterfield in Bloom

Green-fingered residents are being encouraged to show off their talents in this year’s Chesterfield In Bloom competitions.

With more than six categories there is the opportunity for everyone to get involved no matter how big or small their outside space is.

Chris Turner, Chair of the Chesterfield in Bloom committee, said: “Last year not only did we win on a regional level, but we also received lots of fantastic entries for our Chesterfield In Bloom competitions from local gardeners. The standard was exceptional and I can’t wait to see the entries for this year.

“We’re excited to see all types of garden from the largest allotments through to container displays. Please do get your entries in as soon as possible and I wish everyone the best of luck in this years competition.

People have until Friday 16 June to submit their entries or to nominate their neighbours in the following categories:

• Best Front Garden
• Best Back Garden up to 80m2
• Best Back Garden larger than 80m2
• Best Container Garden
• Best Blooming Pub/Restaurant
• Best Allotment (with subcategories based on size)

There is also an exclusive competition for council tenants, and entries are invited for Best Garden (either front or back) and Best Containers.

Residents can only enter two categories but everyone who takes part is automatically entered for the best overall garden judging.

The ever-popular schools’ competition makes a return this year too.

After the town’s success last year, the council will also be entering East Midlands In Bloom again and winners of the above competitions may also be included in the judging later this year.

Entry forms are available on the council’s website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/bloom

CMP Legal brings ‘Network King’ event to Chesterfield 

Network King Image

CMP Legal, a leading niche commercial law firm that specialises in corporate, commercial, dispute resolution and employment law is bringing ‘Network King’ to Chesterfield to support local businesses in the professional community.

The Chesterfield based law firm that delivers expert services to clients in Derbyshire, Sheffield and across the UK has arranged for Network King to host a networking event at The Batch House in Chesterfield on Thursday 11th May 2023. This event is expected to attract over 100 local delegates from the professional community, including Banks, Finance Providers, Accountancy Firms, Law Firms, Asset Based Lenders and Insolvency Firms.

The event will be sponsored by Chesterfield based CMP Legal and Leonard Curtis. Network King aims to provide an alternative to traditional networking events, by putting the fun back into networking.

Anna Cattee, Co-Founder of CMP Legal says: “It’s been great to bring Network King across the county border into Chesterfield and be part of providing a new networking event for the local, professional community. When we set up CMP Legal, we wanted to shake up the local legal sector and assist businesses across the area, so to have been part of creating a new, popular event, which allows us to network with each other is hugely beneficial for the professional community.”

Richard Pinder, Director of Leonard Curtis and Co-Founder of Network King says: “Network King was set-up with a view to providing networking events specifically for the professional sector.  Karl Hodson (co-founder) and I had attended enough networking events to know what good looked like and we wanted to translate that in to fantastic events across the Yorkshire region and further afield.  Leonard Curtis has helped the organisation grow by supporting events in areas where they have a strong presence and will continue to do so as the Network King events attract the right calibre of people to strengthen our brand.”

Spireites in Mind launched

Spireites-in-Mind

Chesterfield FC Community Trust has launched Spireites in Mind – a support group for former players affected by dementia, together with their families.

Fronted by legendary former Spireite Sean O’Neill, the event saw ex-England internationals Tony Currie and Dave Watson join a host of ex-Chesterfield players at the event, including Jim Brown, Dave Pugh, Bill Dearden and Colin Prophett.

Jenny Moss, the wife of Spireites legend Ernie Moss, also attended the lunchtime meeting held in the SBK Spires Restaurant.

ITV Calendar were in attendance and conducted interviews for a feature which was broadcast.

Chatsworth to host Pink Ribbon Walk

Chatsworth House

On the 8th July, Breast Cancer Now’s Pink Ribbon Walk is returning to the beauty hotspot of Chatsworth House. The charity is calling on outdoor lovers to step forward for people affected by breast cancer at the 10 or 20-mile walks.

The Pink Ribbon Walk events are one of the Breast Cancer Now’s biggest and best-loved fundraising events – having raised more than £14.5 million for world class breast cancer research and support since its first walkers crossed the finish line in 2005.

Claire Pulford, Associate Director, Community and Events at Breast Cancer Now, said: “It’s fabulous to once again be inviting everyone to put their best foot forward and get sponsored to join us for one of our Pink Ribbon Walks at Chatsworth.

“Every 10 minutes, someone in the UK hears the words “you have breast cancer”. Money raised from Pink Ribbon Walk events will help us to provide support for today and hope for the future for people affected by breast cancer.

Walkers will be supported all the way with a clearly marked route, expert guides and regular rest stops with snacks – allowing those taking part to soak up the spectacular scenery and focus on reaching that finish line.

Chesterfield Borough Council, CMP Legal, Chatsworth House and Chesterfield FC support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chatsworth opens for new season with design led exhibition adding to 500 years of creativity

Chatsworth is once again back open to the public for the Summer season, with a new exhibition titled ‘Mirror Mirror: Reflections on Design at Chatsworth.’

The historic North Derbyshire house has always been a centre for creativity, with successive generations of the Cavendish family commissioning art and design contemporary to their times.

The new exhibition continues this legacy and is now on display in the house and garden until the end of September 2023.

The exhibition features commissioned works by 16 contemporary designers. Each has responded to one of Chatsworth’s spaces, either indoors or outside in the garden and have been chosen for the way that they reflect on the key issues of today, from climate, sustainability and equality to how people connect.

Alex Hodby, Senior Curator of Programme at Chatsworth, said: “This project is a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the design histories at Chatsworth and bring them to the fore with an exciting array of international artists and designers. We’re fascinated with how the contemporary works in our exhibition have used materials in innovative ways to make functional and intriguing objects that are also deeply connected to the house, garden and the collections here at Chatsworth – a place where design has been a key feature for 500 years.”

Jane Marriott, Director of Chatsworth House Trust, said: “We have invited 16 world renowned artists and designers to reflect on 500 years of design and craftsmanship at Chatsworth. Their bold, inspiring and sometimes humorous works allow us to connect with the many stories at Chatsworth and to also reflect on the urgent issues of our time from our use of materials, sustainability and the climate crisis. As a charity, we are very proud to continue to commission and support artists and by doing so we make Chatsworth’s history come alive, while looking forward to the future.”

Lord Burlington, Chairman of the Chatsworth House Trust said: “We are thrilled to bring Mirror Mirror and these 16 remarkable designers to Chatsworth, to continue the tradition of placing new objects and ideas in direct conversation with creative choices from generations past. With this exhibition, as well as a significantly enhanced programme of talks, tours and workshops, the aim is to ensure Chatsworth upholds its role as a gathering place and a resource for artists, thinkers, makers and learners. We look forward to welcoming them all in 2023.”

Co-curated by Alex Hodby, Senior Curator of Programme at Chatsworth, and writer, historian and curator Glenn Adamson, the exhibition places contemporary works in direct relationship to the historic design at Chatsworth, creating unexpected connections with the house’s architecture, interiors, furniture, ceramics, as well its essential materials of glass, stone, wood, and light.

The sixteen contemporary artists and designers featured in the exhibition are: Ini Archibong, Michael Anastassiades, Wendell Castle, Andile Dyalvane, Ndidi Ekubia, Najla El Zein, Formafantasma, Joris Laarman, Max Lamb, Fernando Laposse, Jay Sae Jung Oh, Samuel Ross, Chris Schanck, Ettore Sottsass, Faye Toogood, and Joseph Walsh.

Chatsworth House Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Joris Laarman, Maker benches in the Painted Hall

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Chatsworth announces signature events and new additions for 2023

An exhibition celebrating Chatsworth’s 500-year history of design and creativity leads a season of discovery across the house, garden and park of the Derbyshire estate this year. Mirror Mirror: Reflections on Design at Chatsworth opens 18 March 2023.

All the signature events are back, from the Chatsworth International Horse Trials in May to the three-day Chatsworth Country Fair in September with the show stopping festive season opening in early November. New for 2023 is a Celebration of Derbyshire Women for International Women’s Day.

As well as the popular annual events, a year of discovery awaits the curious with a carefully curated programme of activities from landscape drawing and gardening clubs to exploring literary gems in the library and getting a behind-the-scenes insight into the historic textiles conservation.

Chatsworth Farmyard and Adventure Playground: 11 – 26 February 2023

Chatsworth Farmyard

Opening for February half-term, there is plenty for children to enjoy from feeding the animals to learning all about the rare breeds thriving at the farmyard including the Suffolk Punch horses, Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs, Bagot goats and Cream Legbar chickens. The farmyard has Rare Breeds Survival Trust accreditation in recognition of its important contribution to the conservation of some the rarest livestock and equine breeds native to the UK, making it the perfect place to see these animals up close. There will also be crafty creative sessions under cover and tractor and trailer Discovery tours into Stand Wood.

International Women’s Day: 10 March 2023

Curated and hosted by the High Sheriff in Nomination 2023/24, Theresa Peltier, a celebration of Derbyshire women will take place at Chatsworth. The day will feature displays and a rolling series of talks, discussions and performances by women from a diverse range of backgrounds on topics as broad as running small businesses, creating art, or providing charity and other services to the communities of Derbyshire. This free to access, drop-in event is open to all and also features local singer songwriter Carol Fieldhouse; writer, poet and performer Seni Seneviratne; resident sculptor at Derbyshire Eco Centre, Sue Allanson; Derbyshire Lord Lieutenant Mrs. Elizabeth Fothergill CBE and charities such as Women’s Work and Adoption East Midlands.

Mirror Mirror: Reflections on Design at Chatsworth: 18 March – 1 October 2023

Chatsworth has been a centre for creativity and new ideas for more than 500 years. This exhibition brings the legacy up to date and introduces new works from 16 leading international artists to the house and garden. Contemporary pieces in the historic setting make unexpected connections with the architecture, interiors, furniture, ceramics as well as its essential materials of glass, stone, wood, and light.

Chatsworth International Horse Trials: 12 – 14 May 2023

Chatsworth Horse Trials

World-class equestrian competition across the three disciplines of cross country, show jumping and dressage combine with the fun dog show, children’s entertainment and have-a-go dog agility to make for a memorable experience for all the family. Book before 30 April for early bird tickets.

Chatsworth Country Fair: 1 – 3 September 2023

Chatsworth Country Fair

One of Britain’s most spectacular annual outdoor events held in the 1000-acre parkland, Chatsworth Country Fair delivers three action-packed days of thrilling Grand Ring entertainment, inspirational cooking masterclasses, countryside crafts, interactive activities and a vintage fun fair. Book before 30 June for early bird tickets.

Christmas at Chatsworth: 4 November 2023 – 7 January 2024

Chatsworth Christmas_ Painted Hall. Credit DPC Photography

Chatsworth’s must visit Christmas season will see the house transformed from early November. While the theme is a hotly guarded secret until September, preparations are already underway for the show-stopping festive display.

In the garden

The ongoing work around the recently developed area of the garden known as Arcadia continues, with the glades now looking spectacular as the planting led by designer Tom Stuart-Smith has become established since it was planted. Other work includes 200 Rhododendrons being planted to repopulate the area around the Ravine and Grotto Pond. This year, there are more opportunities to engage with the 105-acre garden from landscape sketching and creative sessions for children to gardening clubs for all ages, as well as talks and workshops from the expert garden team.

In the park

Free to access all year-round with free parking until 16 March, and well-served by local transport links, the trails and paths in Chatsworth Park offer the perfect setting for enjoying the Derbyshire landscape. Three new waymarked paths have been created in Stand Wood above the house to make it easier to explore the medieval woodland located on the hill near the farmyard. For those who would like to find out more about the landscape, an expert from the park team will be running two hour walking tours focusing on the flora and fauna and sharing insights into what goes into managing the estate which includes 1,000 acres of parkland and the river Derwent.

For more events and activities taking place in Chesterfield throughout 2023, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House

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Chatsworth House Trust announces new Director

Chatsworth House Trust has announced the appointment of Jane Marriot as its new Director.

Jane has started her new role at the Trust, following a six-year tenure as Director of Harewood House Trust in West Yorkshire. During this time, the historic country house saw a significant increase in charitable income and visitor engagement.

Jane joins Chatsworth at an important time. Her remit as the new Director includes leading the development and delivery of a compelling creative programme to reach and engage new audiences in the UK and globally. She is also tasked with increasing the social impact of the Trust’s activities, overseeing the Devonshire Collections of art, artefacts and archives across its various sites, and building the Trust’s endowment to ensure an ever more secure future for the heritage assets under its stewardship.

Jane’s 25-year career has been spent predominantly in leadership roles in museums and galleries at times of major transformation. She started out as assistant curator at Art Gallery New South Wales, Sydney, before joining the team that launched Tate Modern in London in 2000 and then becoming the youngest female Director of Royal Academy Trust and Director of Development at the Royal Academy of Arts.

Whilst at the RA she raised £36 million for the David Chipperfield-designed capital project and established an international fundraising operation in Hong Kong. Jane then moved to Yorkshire, firstly as Deputy Director and then Managing Director of The Hepworth Wakefield where she instigated the creation of the new Hepworth Gallery Garden designed by Tom Stuart Smith and launched the Hepworth Prize for Sculpture, which amongst other initiatives helped The Hepworth Wakefield win the Art Fund ‘Museum of the Year’ in 2017.

Jane Marriott, Director of Chatsworth House Trust, said: “Chatsworth has a great reputation, with an outstanding collection of art, established learning programme and strong exhibitions that together represent a visitor offering to rival any national institution in the UK. Chatsworth also has an incredible reach with more than 600,000 annual visitors, meaning there is huge potential to engage with, and have a positive impact on, a wide and diverse audience.

Through a shared commitment to learning and programme at the heart of the organisation, designed to maximise the incredible collections of art, decorative arts and gardens, we have the potential to reimagine Chatsworth’s role within the UK’s cultural economy.

I look forward to working with the family and the team at Chatsworth to widen our reach and demonstrate value to our communities as a charitable trust, whilst protecting this vital piece of our national heritage for generations to come.”

Lord Burlington, Chairman of the Chatsworth House Trust, said: “I am delighted to welcome Jane to Chatsworth as Director of the Chatsworth House Trust. The Trust was set up by my grandfather in 1981 to look after the house, collections, garden, woodlands and park for the long-term benefit of everyone.

Jane’s experience and achievements in the arts, culture and heritage arenas make her the perfect person to lead an ambitious new chapter of growth and development for the charity. There is a great deal of excitement around this appointment, we look forward to working closely with Jane and we wish her every success.”

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chatsworth House Director Jane Marriott

Photos: India Hobson, © Chatsworth House Trust.

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Return of Chatsworth International Horse Trials After Two Year Absence

Saddles are being polished and the new cross country course is taking shape, while horses and riders are running through their final preparations as world-class equestrian action returns to Chatsworth for the first time since 2019.

After a Covid-enforced hiatus of two years, the Chatsworth International Horse Trials in May will once again offer a thrilling spectacle as hundreds of competitors take on the three day event, including the specially designed cross country course winding its way through The Art of Burning Man in the parkland.

With entries flooding in from around the world, the anticipation is building for the elegant dressage, the fascinating show jumping and the gripping cross country, where amateur horse riders compete alongside world class competitors.

Among the star names to look out for are the FEI World No. 1 Event Rider and Tokyo team gold medallist Oliver Townend riding five horses, and home interest with the much decorated Olympian Ian Stark OBE on Chatsworth Diamond, a horse owned by the Duchess of Devonshire and bred at Chatsworth. The Duchess has owned event horses for many years, including the 1999 Badminton winner Jaybee and the 1999 Chatsworth winner Stanwick Ghost, both also ridden by Ian Stark, so hopes will be high for a good showing from the pair.

Patricia Clifton, Chatsworth International Horse Trials, said: “We’re delighted to be staging these wonderful three days of action once again. The event never disappoints, offering something for the enthusiast and the first time visitor looking for a great day out. If you’ve never been before, I would recommend the Ice Pond as a vantage point giving a spectacular view of the whole site, and you can always see the action on the big screen located in the food court. Families will have plenty to do in our children’s area and don’t miss the family fun dog show if you want to get involved!”

For something fast and furious, the British scurry and trials driving sees miniature ponies take on large cobs as their drivers tackle an obstacle course against the clock. The competitions are family friendly and the rules are easy to follow.

As well as plenty of compelling competitive action, there is entertainment for the whole family including a have-a-go dog agility, a family fun dog show, birds of prey demos and a dog and duck show.

Canine lifesavers, the UK Rescue Bears, will be putting on displays showing the skills of these Newfoundland dogs, as well as offering the chance to have hug and photo with the gentle giants, while Nobby the Norfolk Horn, stands centre stage for The Sheep Show as his woolly friends are introduced to their podiums, all to their own theme tunes.

Face painting, circus skills and pottery painting are also on offer, while the shopping village, with more than 100 high quality stands and a fine food walk, is perfect for those looking to treat themselves.

Early bird tickets are available up until 8 May 2022. Gate tickets for Friday Adult £15, Child £10; Saturday/Sunday Adult £30 per day, Child £10 per day. All tickets include free parking and child prices are for ages 5–15 inclusive.

The event organisers are delighted to announce Walker & Morland as new sponsor for 2022. Walker & Morland is a wellness brand that uses natural ingredients, including pure isolate CBD, to offer relief and recovery from sports and an active lifestyle.

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Medieval Masterpieces ‘coming home’ as Chatsworth House reopens

Two medieval masterpieces are returning to Chatsworth after more than 60 years and will go on display to visitors for one season only as the house reopens on Tuesday 18 May 2021.

At almost 600 years old and measuring more than 11 x 4 metres each, the Devonshire Hunting Tapestries are one of the largest pictorial representations of any kind from their period and the only great 15th century hunting tapestries to survive. Depicting medieval scenes of fabulously dressed noble men and women hunting in imaginary landscapes, they are believed to have been made in Arras, France between 1425-1450.

Having been closed for more than six months, the house will reopen its doors to ‘Life Stories’, a new exhibition that shares stories about the fascinating lives of people associated with Chatsworth through the placement of nine paired portraits and objects. Life Stories will run throughout the house before visitors reach the last room, the magnificent Sculpture Gallery, where the Devonshire Hunting Tapestries will be hung on the walls.

The tapestries belonged to the Devonshire family for more than 500 years before they were accepted by HM Government in lieu of tax payable on the estate of the 10th Duke of Devonshire. They were allocated to the Victoria and Albert Museum where they have been housed ever since. Chatsworth is working in partnership with the V&A to bring the tapestries back to the house for this eight-month display.

The Duke of Devonshire: “It is a great privilege to welcome these tapestries back to Chatsworth; they had been part of the Collection for very many years until they were given in partial lieu of death duties in the 1950s. Since then they have been superbly looked after at the V&A Museum and we are delighted that they are allowing us to enjoy them here in Derbyshire once again for a few months in 2021.”

Tapestries were enormously costly objects in the Middle Ages and therefore the preserve of only the wealthiest families. The details of the tapestries give an insight into medieval life, but the action is set in imaginary landscapes. Hunting tapestries, with scenes of forests, people and animals, were a popular subject, transforming the cold and draughty interiors of medieval castles and mansions into forest glades.

The ‘Life Stories’ exhibition (18 May – 3 October 2021) includes the pairing of the artist Elisabeth Frink’s Tribute I with Angela Conner’s portrait of Frink herself; Alicia Paz’s painting Courage Calls to Courage Everywhere is connected to Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, to highlight her interest in politics, science and poetry; while Henry VIII’s rosary, Natasha’s Daintry’s 2015 ceramic work Skin Deep, and a recreation of Bess of Hardwick’s necklace of 1000 pearls, made by leading Derbyshire based jewellers C W Sellors, also feature. Focusing on the traces of lives in the house, the exhibition presents objects in new ways, demonstrating how past figures continue to resonate in our lives today.

The house completes a phased reopening at Chatsworth with the garden, farmyard and adventure playground already open to visitors.

Tickets are now on sale and must be booked in advance. Each area of Chatsworth will reopen in line with government guidance on social distancing, household mixing and travel restrictions applicable at the time.

Indoor restaurants will also reopen on 18 May while most other restrictions will be lifted from 21 June.

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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