Restoration Returns Chatsworth To Its Original Glory - Opens for New Season Sunday March 11 2012

The wraps are off Chatsworth as the £14m Masterplan project to restore the 300-year-old house comes to a close to reveal gleaming stonework, repaired carvings and 24-carat gold gilding in time for the launch of the new season on Sunday March 11 2012.

The culmination of this phase of the continuing Masterplan of conservation and restoration sees the two most visible façades of the house restored to their original glory, following a year-long project to repair and clean the sandstone exterior.

Work took place to reverse the effects of hundreds of years of weather damage and included cleaning more than 2,200 square metres of stonework; restoring 21 two metre high urns on the top of the house; re-pointing the 20 metre high facades with 1¼ tonnes of lime mortar; the re-gilding of 42 windows and the inscription ‘Cavendo Tutus’ with 24-carat gold leaf. 

All the new stone used to repair the house comes from the same quarry that provided the stone to build Chatsworth in the 1820s, when the house was remodelled by the 6th Duke of Devonshire.

Chatsworth’s Head of Special Projects, Sean Doxey, explained why it was vital for the work to take place. “Although the building was in reasonably good condition, it would have started to deteriorate very quickly if we hadn’t stepped in now to repair the worst ravages caused by the weather.”

The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire instigated the Masterplan project following a review of the building’s structure and services to help realise the shared aim of the Devonshire family and Chatsworth House Trust - the independent charity which looks after the house, collection, garden, farmyard and park - to safeguard Chatsworth’s heritage and continue its history of innovation and progress.

The Duke of Devonshire said: “It’s absolutely wonderful to see the house as it must have looked to my ancestors. It has always been a thrilling moment to see the house come into view as you drive across the park and now that view has been made even more magical. With the years of blackened grime now removed from the stone, it looks truly magnificent and I’m delighted that it has been preserved for many future generations of visitors to enjoy.”

Scaffolding started to come down in October 2011: the final pieces will be gone in time to reveal the house in full for the new season starting on March 11 2012. Further work will be taking place over the next few years to clean the East Front, which is visible mainly from the garden.

Seven consultancies have been involved in the Masterplan, including project managers, principal contractors and archaeologists. A team of 12 stonemasons and one carver from north Yorkshire have carried out the stone cleaning and repair over a 56-week period.

The work on the exterior throughout 2011 follows the transformation of the interior in 2010, the most extensive since the alterations of the 6th Duke in 1830s, which allows visitors to see more of the Derbyshire stately home than ever before with new gallery spaces, access to the once private stone courtyard, far fewer stairs and new lift access to all three floors.

For more information, visit www.chatsworth.org
 

Chatsworth won Gold in the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2011 'Large Visitor Attraction' category organised by Visit England, the national tourism body. Chatsworth underwent a rigorous independent assessment before being chosen by a board of tourism industry experts including previous Small Visitor Attraction winner Victoria Emmanuel of the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter and experienced travel journalists Alison Rice and Sally Shalam.

Chatsworth is a member of the Treasure Houses of England, 10 of the most magnificent palaces, stately homes and castles in England. www.treasurehouses.co.uk

Chatsworth is only 16 miles from the MI, 10 miles from Chesterfield, and 8 miles north of Matlock, in the heart of Derbyshire’s Peak District National Park and is well served by transport links throughout the UK.

Cohen Collection of Modern British Masterpieces Goes on Show at Chatsworth

A new exhibition of modern British masterpieces, many unseen in public for decades, will open at Chatsworth on 19 March 2012.

‘Frank and Cherryl Cohen at Chatsworth’ is drawn from their private collection, described by curator Robert Upstone as “one of the finest and most definitive private collections of modern British art”.

Running until 10 June the exhibition includes more than 40 works from artists such as Stanley Spencer, LS Lowry, Frank Auerbach, Leon Kossoff, William Roberts, William Scott, Paula Rego and Edward Burra, and sculptures by Kenneth Armitage, William Turnbull, Eduardo Paolozzi and Reg Butler.

•    Stanley Spencer: Christ Preaching at Cookham Regatta: Conversation between Punts 1955 – one of the major figures of 20C British Art and a key work from later in Spencer’s career, ‘Cookham Regatta’ brings Christ into the modern world and is rooted in the artist’s vision of the spirituality of English rural/village life.

• Matthew Arnold Bracy Smith: Connie Martin 1915 – Matthew Smith was a key member of the British avant-garde. His picture of Connie Martin subverts traditional stereotypes of portraiture by adopting the bright, pure colours of European Expressionism - highly unusual in Britain at the time.

• William Scott: Upright Abstract 1957 – Scott developed his style from figurative still lives into ever greater abstraction and this is one of his finest paintings, using minimal colouring and expressive modulation of the paint to render an abstract image of objects on a table top. 

•  Edward Burra: Striptease, Harlem c.1934 – one of the most distinctive of 20C British artists, Burra had a totally unique vision of everyday life and here he presents the gritty and the magical side-by-side in character studies drawn from his time in Harlem, New York in the 1930’s.

Paintings from their private collection were selected by Frank and Cherryl Cohen in conjunction with Robert Upstone, the exhibition’s curator. Robert was previously Curator of Modern British Art at Tate Britain and is a Director of The Fine Art Society, while Frank Cohen has commissioned Booker prize-winning author Howard Jacobson to write an essay for the exhibition catalogue. 

Internationally known as major collectors of contemporary art, Frank and Cherryl Cohen’s collection of modern British paintings has never before been exhibited publicly. The first modern British painting they acquired was ‘My Family’ by LS Lowry, bought in the early 70s, with further works added regularly over subsequent years. 

Frank Cohen said: “Cherryl and I have spent some 40 years putting together our Modern British Collection so it’s very personal to us. We wanted a setting that would match the quality of the paintings and when the New Gallery opened at Chatsworth in 2011 we could see that it would be a perfect fit.”

The Cohen’s share a passion for modern British art with the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and having met at many exhibitions over the years the Duke suggested a display of their private collection at Chatsworth: “It’s a wonderful collection of modern British paintings and I’m delighted Frank and Cherryl have agreed to share it with a wider audience. I am sure that visitors will be delighted to see paintings of such remarkable quality.”

Matthew Hirst, Head of Art and Collections at Chatsworth said: “‘Frank and Cherryl Cohen at Chatsworth’ is the first in a new programme of loan exhibitions being brought into Chatsworth to give our visitors the chance to enjoy a wide ranging artistic offer alongside our permanent collections.  We hope to stage at least one such exhibition every year.”

Chatsworth also has a long association with 20th-century art and the Devonshire Collection includes important works by artists such as Lucian Freud, David Hockney, John Hoyland, Michael Andrews, Allen Jones and Paula Rego. Works from the contemporary art collection are on permanent, rotating display, particularly in the North Sketch gallery at Chatsworth while other works are loaned for exhibitions around the world.

Entry to ‘Frank and Cherryl Cohen at Chatsworth’ is included in the price of a standard  ‘House and Garden’ ticket. House, garden, farmyard and adventure playground reopen on 11 March 2012. For more information and ticketing options including a 10 percent discount for online booking, visit www.chatsworth.org

Further information

The Cohen collection of Modern British works has been taken out of storage specifically for this exhibition. The Cohen collection of contemporary art and design is based in Wolverhampton where elements of it are exhibited in rotation. They also lend extensively from their collection to museums and galleries all over the world.

The Chatsworth House Trust is an independent charity (no 511149) set up by the 11th Duke of Devonshire in 1981, to ensure the long-term survival of Chatsworth for the benefit of the public.  All admission and event income from visitors, together with a percentage of income from shops and restaurants, goes directly to this Trust, and can only be spent on the upkeep and improvement of the house, collections, garden, farmyard and park.

Chatsworth won Gold in the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2011 'Large Visitor Attraction' category organised by Visit England, the national tourism body. Chatsworth underwent a rigorous independent assessment before being chosen by a board of tourism industry experts including previous Small Visitor Attraction winner Victoria Emmanuel of the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter and experienced travel journalists Alison Rice and Sally Shalam.

Chatsworth is a member of the Treasure Houses of England, 10 of the most magnificent palaces, stately homes and castles in England. www.treasurehouses.co.uk

Chatsworth is 16 miles from the MI, 10 miles from Chesterfield, and 8 miles north of Matlock, in the heart of Derbyshire’s Peak District National Park and is well served by transport links throughout the UK.

Get Fit at Spectacular Venues

Get fit in supreme style this year by participating in everything from twilight walks to demanding triathlons at some of the most beautiful locations in the country. The Treasure Houses of England present the perfect space and backdrop for an array of exciting events while giving the opportunity to raise money for some incredible charities.

Beaulieu Estate is hosting Walk Ten for Marie Curie Cancer Care (4 August) – a unique twilight walk through the picturesque village and along the river for an inspiringly worthy cause.

Watch one of the biggest UK triathlons at Blenheim Palace’s esteemed event (9-10 June) and get behind the wheels yourself for Bike Blenheim Palace (18-19 August) – the country’s fastest-growing festival that sees everyone from fanatics to families enjoy the splendour of their stunning surrounds.

Triathlon at Blenheim Palace

Castle Howard will be hosting the Markel Castle Triathlon (22 July) where you can test your stamina and fitness by running and cycling around the estate and snatching a rare opportunity to swim in the Great Lake.  There’s also an assortment of outdoor activities during their anticipated Get Active Weekend (26-27 August).

Age UK’s North Yorkshire 10k run will be supported by Jane McDonald (Loose Women, The Cruise) who will be joining the masses on Mothering Sunday (18 March) at Harewood House in aid of helping older people to keep warm and well this winter.

On Sunday 7 October, take part in the Willow Foundation's 10k challenge in the grounds of Hatfield House and help to provide special days for seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds. This is the 4th Willow 10k - a great race for beginners and experienced runners and walkers alike.
Explore the enticing North Norfolk Coast Path and gorgeous grounds at Holkham Hall for the North Norfolk Marathon (13 May). Travelling through the parklands of the estate and into the seaside town of Wells, both half and full marathon courses will allow people of all levels to participate in the run.

Pink Ribbon Ride

To take part in the UK’s leading series of women-only bike rides, head to Woburn Abbey for their hugely popular Cycletta (13 May). One of seven similar events across the country, it marks the beginning of the series in fun and family-friendly – not to mention – scenic style.   As if that wasn’t enough the British Heart Foundation Jog returns  in May (27 May) and Woburn Abbey’s first triathlon is in September (15 September).  Placed within the 3,000 acres of deer park it’s the perfect location for the 2012 tri for life charity multi-sport event which includes three different triathalon distances and a new 10k run for adults as well as the kids’ duathlon and scootathlon

Or join the thousands of women who put their best feet forward in the beautiful surroundings of Burghley House in the Stamford Race for Life (13 May).
Helen’s Trust helps people with incurable illnesses to live at home by supporting their individual needs, bringing great comfort at the end of their lives. Support their stellar work at Chatsworth and take part in the 5th annual 10K and Family Fun Run (20 May).  A hugely popular event in the running calendar, the 10k horn will fire at 9.30am, with a refreshed course, free parking and cash prizes for winners and veterans.

The Treasure Houses sporting calendar has something for all – from family fun events – including even some in fancy dress to more serious side of fitness with the acclaimed triathlons and marathons, and also the chance to watch some elite athletes at these unique venues.

Mother's Day at Chatsworth

This year sees Chatsworth, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire set in the heart of the Peak District, reveal its gleaming new facades following an extensive restoration as it re-opens for a new season on March 11 2012, just in time for Mother’s Day.

With more than 30 rooms and a wealth of fascinating stories to discover in the house; water features, giant sculptures and a puzzling maze in the stunning 105 acre garden and the chance to come face to face with animals in the working farmyard and enjoy adventurous fun in the playground, Chatsworth offers a great day for every generation this Mother’s Day.

In the garden, all children will be given a daffodil to present to their mum and the popular dedication board will appear again in Flora’s Temple for family members to leave their special messages to their mothers.

In the farmyard, mums can put their feet up and take advantage of a complimentary nail bar and free tea and coffee as the younger members of the family let off steam in the adventure playground. 

A new Chatsworth ticket has been introduced to give unlimited entry to the house, garden and farmyard throughout the day, plus a half price voucher valid for one use within six months.

For more information and ticketing options including a 10 percent discount for online booking, visit www.chatsworth.org

Chatsworth is a member of the Treasure Houses of England, 10 of the most magnificent palaces, stately homes and castles in England. www.treasurehouses.co.uk

Hare off to Beaulieu for an Easter Egg-stravaganza 31st March – 15th April 2012

During the Easter holidays, 31st March – 15th April, young visitors to Beaulieu can join in a Hare-Brained Easter Trail. Look for the hares, find the answers to the clues and collect a sweet treat at the end of the trail.

See exciting new exhibition, BOND IN MOTION, showcasing 50 original vehicles from the James Bond films – including some that have never been seen on display before – and incredible vehicle action clips. It features some of the best loved and most iconic vehicles from the world famous film series, including the Lotus Esprit S1 ‘Wet Nellie’ from The Spy Who Loved Me, the Bede Acrostar Jet famously flown in Octopussy, and the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish with adaptive camouflage from Die Another Day.

Also new for 2012 is the On Screen Cars exhibition, where you can spot a number of TV and film favourites. Admire Del Boy’s Reliant Regal as featured in the BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses, Mr Bean’s lime green Mini, and the De Lorean as featured in Back to the Future. Also on display is the flying Ford Anglia, used during the filming of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Take a look around the National Motor Museum’s stunning collection of over 250 vehicles, from world land speed record breakers to F1 racers, plus quirky motoring oddities such as a giant orange on wheels. Journey through 100 years of motoring in the museum’s pod-ride ‘Wheels’ and visit Jack Tucker’s Garage, which recreates the sights, sounds and smells of a typical country garage from the 1930s.

In World of Top Gear see actual vehicles created by presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May for some of their most ambitious challenges on the TV show over the years, including the four cars from the India Christmas Special 2011 which have recently joined the display.

Fans of the show will experience the Top Gear ‘Enormodrome’ which recreates the feel of the Top Gear studio.  As well as regular features from the programme including the Cool Wall and Celebrity ‘Lap Time’ boards, visitors can watch an exclusive video presentation from behind-the-scenes at the Top Gear HQ with Jeremy, Richard and James plus clips from the show featuring the cars on display.

Stroll through the beautifully kept gardens, where in April there is a colourful mass of crocuses and daffodils that surround Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey.  Over fifteen species of daffodils bloom at various times during the flowering season, ensuring a spectacular show lasting many weeks. Join in with Victorian Games on the lawns in front of the house and face painting inside.

Don’t miss Palace House’s new photographic exhibition, ‘Beaulieu Estate: a year in pictures’ which features photographs taken by the Beaulieu Camera Club, documenting every aspect of life on the Beaulieu Estate during 2011.

There’s a lot more for all the family at Beaulieu this Easter; take a ride on the high-level Monorail or see the sights from the replica open-topped London Bus. Budding drivers can get behind the wheel on the Mini Car Driving Circuit and younger visitors can get physical on Dipstick’s Mini Motor Play Trail with its Veteran Bus climbing frame, swings and Little Tykes ride-on-cars. Plus visit the Secret Army Exhibition and learn about the training of special agents at Beaulieu during WWII.

Beaulieu is open from 10am every day so hop along to Beaulieu for some Easter fun.  For further information telephone 01590 612345 or visit: www.beaulieu.co.uk

For further information on The Treasure Houses of England please click here.

Wedding Showcase Day at Harewood

Hosting a selection of carefully chosen suppliers, the new Wedding team at Harewood look forward to welcoming guests to a Wedding Showcase Day on Sunday 11 March from 11am – 4pm. With complimentary admittance and a glass of champagne on arrival in the newly refurbished Courtyard Suites, Boutique at Harewood is confident it’ll be a day to remember.

With a combination of experienced staff, exquisite catering and unwavering attention to detail, your experience with Boutique at Harewood will surpass all expectations, and the Wedding Showcase allows guests to sample the highlights of our new Wedding Menu whilst perusing the range of carefully chosen suppliers. World renowned Bettys will be showcasing their delectable offer of wedding cakes; Leafy Couture, Grace & Tailor, and Ambience will be setting the scene with picturesque floral displays and beautifully dressed rooms; and wedding photographer favourite Olivia Brabbs will be displaying her atmospheric imagery – all to the live sounds of Elysium Entertainment.

When it comes to choosing a venue for your wedding, few can beat the stunning setting of Harewood with its historic surroundings and spectacular grounds.  One of the most prestigious wedding locations in the UK, Harewood hosts a range of weddings that require a tailored approach.  With two beautiful venues within this magnificent location, it provides the ultimate backdrop for intimate and larger gatherings, and is licensed to perform civil ceremonies for up to 150 guests.

 

Register your interest today to secure your place on the guest list for this ticket-only event which provides entry to the Showcase and grounds. Entry is free, but advance booking is required. Contact the Wedding Team on 0113 218 1036 or email weddings@harewood.org

www.harewood.org/weddings

Harewood is a member of the Treasure Houses of England, 10 of the most magnificent palaces, stately homes and castles in England. www.treasurehouses.co.uk

Easter Holidays at the Treasure Houses of England

 
Expect an Easter egg extravaganza at a multitude of venues, such as with Blenheim Palace with their enticing Easter Egg Challenge (6-7 April) around their glorious Pleasure Gardens.  BAFTA award-winning TV series characters Peppa Pig and George with The Piplings will be at Blenheim Palace to meet families (8-9 April). Piplings Yojojo, Lau Lau, Nok Tok and De Li also invite you to join the fun for their interactive yoga sessions (8-9 April).

During the Easter holidays, 31st March – 15th April, young visitors to Beaulieu can join in a Hare-Brained Easter Trail. Look for the hares, find the answers to the clues and collect a sweet treat at the end of the trail.



Explore the superb Sculpture Garden and Garden of Surprises at Burghley’s Easter Egg Hunt (8 April); and get involved with Chatsworth’s Easter Eggstravaganza (31 March – 15 April), featuring trails in the house, garden and farmyard, as well as themed crafts and much more.

Castle Howard’s Traditional Easter Fair (6-9 April) will see an old-fashioned dray pulled by Shire horses that will deliver you to a bevy of fantastic fair rides and the huge adventure playground. Enjoy lunch at the Boathouse and become transformed into some wild and imaginative creatures courtesy of the incredible face painters for a fun-filled and adventurous day out.

Sticky fingers and rosy cheeks abound at Harewood this Easter Weekend (6-9 April) Celebrating Easter traditions from across the world, there’s some unique activities inside and out for all the family.  We’ve made Easter at Harewood the best place to get in the Easter spirit, with a superb Children’s Craft Village, Easter egg trails through the bird garden, a now famous Easter Egg hunt around the grounds and the chance to see Harewood’s very own chef demonstrating traditional chocolate egg making.

There’s lots of Easter Fun for children at Holkham Hall (6-9 April) with an ‘Egg-stacle’ course in the beautiful walled garden and appearances of the Bouncing Bunny or Mad Hatter, with crafts and egg-citing Easter fun in the Bygones Musuem.  On Easter Sunday 8th April and Easter Monday 9th Holkham is turning back the clocks to the Edwardian era commemorating the sinking of The Titanic with “titanic Tea-time Treats” bringing historic cookery to life in the Old Kitchen of the hall. 

Children can follow a trail through the grounds of Leeds Castle to collect a chocolate Easter egg from the Bunny Burrows.  With lots of animal fun, crafts and even Easter Egg Archery! (6-9 April)

 




Revel in the beautiful outdoors of Woburn Abbey (reopening 30 March) and explore their magnificent Deer Park and Abbey Grounds as well as following the Easter Egg Trail in the Abbey Gardens.  The 19th century Hornbeam maze is open for the Easter weekend providing a fun challenge for adults and children alike (additional charge).

For more information visit www.treasurehouses.co.uk

New exhibitions unveiled at the Treasure Houses of England

From artistic masterpieces to fascinating historical exhibitions, The Treasure Houses of England look set to deliver a captivating programme of exciting exhibitions this year.

Bond in Motion is the world’s largest official collection of original James Bond vehicles which has just opened at Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum for one year only.   Bond in Motion features 50 vehicles to celebrate 50 years of the Bond franchise and 40 years since the National Motor Museum opened.
From the 24th May to the 2nd September at Beaulieu, there will be an exhibition of the Surrey Sculpture Society’s stunning traditional and contemporary artwork.  The sculptors are exhibiting their broad range of work on an extensive Sculpture Trail that leads visitors through the beautiful grounds and gardens of Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey. This diverse collection of artworks includes abstract and traditional sculptures in figurative, floral, animal and human form and is fashioned from a range of materials such as bronze, ceramics, wood, glass and stone.

British art is showcased in supreme style courtesy of John Piper at Blenheim Palace (11 February – 9 April). Eleven original – and some previously unseen - watercolours from the esteemed twentieth century artist will be on display from the Palace’s impressive collection. Featuring a multitude of mixed media, the exhibition will focus on Blenheim Palace and the breathtaking artworks created during the last decade of John Piper’s life.
Dedicating its annual Treasury Exhibition to the Olympic career and connections of Gold medal winning Olympian David Cecil, Lord Burghley – Burghley House will unveil a mass of memorabilia from the acclaimed golden athlete of his generation, including his running outfit, medals and in-depth information about his intriguing sporting life.

Capturing the Castle comprises an extensive exhibit spanning 300 years of Castle Howard in the Arts (May-November). Incorporating everything from photography and paintings to porcelain and souvenirs, the display offers an inspired and rare treat to visitors.

Chatsworth House presents a private collection of modern British masterpieces with lendings from internationally renowned collectors, Frank and Cherryl Cohen (19 March – 10 June) featuring over 40 pieces from over 20 various artists such as Stanley Spencer, John Hoyland and Edward Burra. Also, don’t miss Caro at Chatsworth (28 March – 1 July) – 15 stunning sculptures in the estate’s gorgeous gardens from the country’s greatest living sculptor, Anthony Caro.

Royal Harewood (31 March – 17 June) – Harewood commemorates this special Jubilee year with two exhibitions – ‘Royal Harewood: Celebrating the Life of The Yorkshire Princess’, and ‘Marcus Adams: Royal Photographer, photographs from the Royal Collection’.  A unique insight into the life of HRH Princess Mary in Yorkshire, including some previously unseen items from her Faberge and Fan collection, many given as gifts when Harewood was a Royal Household.  In the Terrace Gallery,  intimate photographs of a young Monarch to-be, will be on view for the first time in the UK in 2012 to celebrate this special year.

Continuing to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Holkham Hall’s new exhibition highlights the 400-year long royal connection between the monarchy and Holkham’s Coke family establishment (April-October). Delve into the archives, library, personal records and photos to discover original items that illustrate the spellbinding story.
Following on from the success of ‘Moore at Hatfield’ in 2011, Hatfield House are staging the first major UK outdoor exhibition of the sculptural works of French artist Xavier Veilhan (7 April – 30 September).  Discover more about The Ladies of Hatfield House, with this new exhibition which offers an insight into the Ladies who lived at Hatfield, their passions, accomplishments and the odd scandal! (7 April - 30 September).

Woburn ARTBEAT is an annual project now in its third year where Woburn Abbey and the nearby village of Woburn join together to promote high quality original art by turning the village into an art gallery (6th - 27th April) and a prominent sculpture exhibition in the gardens of Woburn Abbey (6th - 31st August).

The Treasure Houses of England (THE) is a consortium of 10 of the country’s finest palaces, historic houses and castles. Unique in character, each property has its own magical blend of magnificent architecture, fabulous surroundings, world class collections and family attractions to enjoy.

•    For admission prices and opening hours - visit www.treasurehouses.co.uk