A couple of weeks ago I visited Chatsworth House. Having not been before or for a very long time I was expecting the standard National Trust type old estate, country house experience. I was very much mistaken... The Devonshire Family and the Duke and Duchess particularly, have curated an engaging and interesting balance of their modern art collection balanced with the rich history and restoration of the original house and its features.

 

 

Highlights are a gold stripped back sculpture from Damien Hirst, Hockney's hung casually in the corridor (apparently they saw it hanging in the Whitechapel Gallery and bought it straight from the gallery wall to hang in the their living room!), as well as a walk in wardrobe type room filled works from with Picasso and Matisse.

 

Some of the other highlights are the painted optical illusions as well as the stories from the knowledgable staff throughtout the house.

The gardens are also great, and with both modern and classic artworks dotted throughout.

 

Check my photojournal for more images from the visit and weekend in the Peak District.