Event Details
Friday 20 February
11am - 12pm | £15
The Hartington Room, Chatsworth Stables
Join us for a talk exploring the fascinating history of Elizabeth Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire's connection to Rome, and how it influenced the Chatsworth you see today, specifically the Sculpture Gallery.
In this expert-led talk, learn how Elizabeth’s close friendships with leading artists of the day—notably the sculptors Antonio Canova and Bertel Thorvaldsen—combined with the influence of Cardinal Consalvi’s artistic judgement, gave the 6th Duke access to Rome’s prestigious artistic circles, heavily influencing the 19th Century renovations of the house.
Meeting point and time
Please make your way to The Hartington Room, through The Cavendish Restaurant off the Stables Courtyard.
Doors will open at 10.40am for a prompt start at 11am.
Refreshments
Tea and coffee will be available at the start of the session.
Accessibility
The Hartington Room is a step-free, accessible venue. Accessible toilet facilities are available within The Cavendish Restaurant and The Carriage House Café.
If you have any questions about your specific needs or require a carer ticket, please contact [email protected]
You May Also Like...
Winter talk: 500 Years of the Chatsworth Garden & Landscape
16 January 2026
A journey through the history of the Chatsworth Garden with Head of Gardens and Landscape, Steve Porter.
Winter Talk: A History of the Pinetum and Arboretum at Chatsworth
Learn about the Chatsworth Garden's Arboretum and Pinetum, created by Joseph Paxton in the 1830s, in this talk with Garden Collection and Learning Manager, Faye Tuffrey.
Winter talk: Bringing the Outdoors In
6 February 2026
Learn more about the role of the Chatsworth Floristry team, their inspirations, and how they adapt their displays to suit evolving tastes, different occasions, and to accommodate sustainable practices.
Winter talk: Discovering Lace
13 February 2026
Explore the history of lace and the stories behind special pieces preserved in the Devonshire Collections by Chatsworth House Trust in this illustrated talk.
Cardinal Consalvi and the Devonshire Connection
20 February 2026
Delve into the connection between Chatsworth and the art world of 19th Century Rome.
Winter talk: Chatsworth in Song
6 March 2026
Learn about the migratory and non-migratory birds identified through Chatsworth's bioacoustics monitoring programme, and how we're managing the estate to improve important wildlife habitats.
 
    