The State Bedroom (or chamber) forms part of a suite of rooms created by the 1st Duke of Devonshire in the late 17th Century, in the hope of a royal visit.
The 1st Duke spent more on furnishing this room than any other in the house. The mirror, which hangs between the windows, was particularly expensive, mirror glass being very difficult to make in such large sheets. Unusually, it is signed by its maker, John Gumley (active 1694-1729), and dated May 1703.
The ceiling painting, by Louis Laguerre (1663-1721), depicts the goddess Aurora (dawn) chasing away the goddess Diana (night), making an appropriate subject for a bedroom.
Today, the walls are hung with 17th century Brussels tapestries, which also tell the story of Diana, returned as part of the representation in 2006-2007. They are hung loosely over the stamped and gilded leather added by the 6th Duke.
The 'State Bed' was made for Kensington Palace, and is the bed in which George II died. It was claimed as a perk by the 4th Duke of Devonshire for his position as Lord Chamberlain and brought to Chatsworth.
In 2006-2007 an extensive conservation project on the bed was undertaken, revealing that the bed had been lowered by 47cm at some point in its history. The original height has been reinstated and once more the decorative feet, formed as fluted columns, can be seen.
The 1764 inventory of Chatsworth revealed that within the State Apartment only this room, and the Closet next door, had curtains. New pull-up curtains were made for the windows in 2006, using a crimson silk damask that is a reweave of the textile on the bed.
The room features a silver-gilt toilet service on the dressing table, which is the most complete example of Parisian silver from this time. Used during the morning ritual leveé, when a lady would dress and prepare herself for the day, it was largely made by Ferry Prévost (active late 17th century).
Each piece is decorated with the arms and monogram of William of Orange and Mary (later William III and Mary II). It was probably given by Mary to the then Countess of Devonshire in recognition of her husband’s support during the Glorious Revolution
