The building of Chatsworth House began in 1552 and went on for quite a few years. Throughout the years since it was built, Chatsworth has been home to the Cavendish Family. It has also been open to the public since it was built, with the exception of seven years during World War II, during which it was occupied by a girl's boarding school.
The inside of Chatsworth is ornate and full of very large, beautiful paintings on the ceilings and the walls. This particular ceiling painting, called "An Assembly of the Gods," resides in the State Drawing Room of Chatsworth. The State Drawing Room was used by a jazz band in the 1920s for the amusement of the 9th Duke's daughters, and then again during wartime as a dormitory for girls.
Throughout Chatsworth House there are paintings which seem to "leap" out from the wall or ceiling, as if they are actual structures of the house. These paintings are called "trompe l'oeil," a French term meaning "deceives the eye." One such example is the violin, or rather the painting of a violin, in the doorway of this picture. This painting was bought from Devonshire House in Piccadilly in the 18th Century and was installed in the State Music Room of Chatsworth in 1836. It still remains one of the most remembered things at Chatsworth.
Chatsworth House has many large windows around its perimeter, through which are beautiful views to the private gardens. This particular garden can be seen through the windows in the State Dressing Room and the China Closet, and was made to mimic the architectural plan of Lord Burlington's palace, Chiswick Villa.
The Chapel in Chatsworth House is certainly not an exception when referring to the ornate marblework, woodwork, and paintings in the house. It was built between 1688 and 1693, and is the only room in the house which has remained unaltered. Lady Anne Cavendish, the sister of the 11th and current Duke, was married in this chapel in 1949.
The library of Chatsworth House is quite extensive, housing over 17,000 volumes. This room originally was the 1st Duke's long gallery, but was made into a library by the 6th Duke in 1815. The ceiling of the library is made of gilded stucco and is decorated with various paintings and gold leaf. The design of the ceiling is reflected in the woven carpet of the room.
Right next door to the library in Chatsworth House is the Ante-Library. This picture shows the large ceiling painting which can be found in the Ante-Library. The painting is called "Iris presenting the wounded Venus to Mars," and was the Royal Academy picture of the year in 1823.
The Great Dining Room is one of the last rooms in Chatsworth House to be seen on the tour. However, it is one of five dining rooms in the house. It was built in 1836 by the 6th Duke and was used by the family until 1939. In my opinion, it is one of the most striking rooms in the house.
| Home | Study Abroad | Postcards |