Using historic watercolours and objects from the Devonshire Collections, a new digital project explores how two of Chatsworth’s interiors have changed over time, revealing the stories of furniture, craftsmanship and the care that shaped them.
About the Project
This research was developed as part of the British and Irish Furniture Makers Online (BIFMO) Digital Research Programme, an initiative supporting collaborative research and public engagement with historic furniture and interiors.
The project brings together art, furniture and archival sources to offer a new way of looking at rooms within Chatsworth House. By starting with detailed watercolour views of the house and linking them to objects in the Devonshire Collections, it creates a digital resource that supports closer looking and deeper understanding.
The project reflects the collaborative ethos of the BIFMO Digital Research Programme, bringing together emerging researchers, curatorial expertise and digital interpretation. Working closely with Chatsworth House Trust's collections and archives, the research supports the charity's commitment to caring for the Devonshire Collections and sharing them for study, enjoyment and public benefit.
Together, the watercolours, objects and research invite closer looking and reflection on Chatsworth as a place shaped by craftsmanship, changing interiors and long-term stewardship.
The spaces
At the centre of the project are two carefully observed watercolours created nearly a century apart:
- The Library, painted by William Henry Hunt around 1826
- The Great Chamber, recorded by Frederick Beaumont in 1929
These images provide rare visual evidence of how the rooms were arranged at specific moments in their history. They show furniture, porcelain and textiles in situ, capturing changing taste, use and display within the house. More than decorative views, the watercolours act as detailed historical records of the interiors.
Understanding the objects
By identifying objects shown within the watercolours and linking them to surviving pieces in the Devonshire Collections, the project places both the interiors and their contents in a wider historical context.
The research considers the design, materials and history of individual objects, alongside how they were used and displayed within each room. It also looks beyond individual items to explore how the rooms themselves have evolved, shaped by refurnishing, fashion, and the practical demands of life at Chatsworth.
Explore the digital feature
Click on the links below to explore each of the watercolours and learn more about the history and evolution of the space, and the objects contained within them:
