Discover rarely-seen artwork and artefacts from the Devonshire Collections and new interactive works by contemporary designers, in this multi-sensory exhibition celebrating childhood.
Childhood is an experience that unites us all, creating the foundations for the adults we become. Our new 2024 exhibition, Picturing Childhood: A new perspective at Chatsworth, invites you to explore the many different versions of childhood as represented in art dating from Tudor times to the present day.
Rarely-seen pieces from the Devonshire Collections - such as paintings, sketches, literature, costumes and sculpture - will be on display throughout the house and garden in addition to loans and exciting new interactive works by contemporary artists. The pieces explore themes ranging from family relationships and literacy to duty, identity and colonialism.
Designed to appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds, the exhibition takes inspiration from Chatsworth's playful histories and includes thought-provoking, multi-sensory experiences as well as the opportunity to rest, read and reflect.
Viewfinders, created by artist Abigail Reynolds around the house, garden and park, encourage you to view life and Chatsworth from a new perspective, such as the eyes of a hawk, a songbird or a multi-lens trilobite. 'Hopscotch' your way to the house entrance on boards drawn by Eleven Design in Sheffield. Enjoy a new view of Chatsworth's historic architecture by taking a seat on 'Sky Station', an installation in the Inner Courtyard by designer Peter Newman. Take a deep breath and experience the aromas of the meal served at Queen Victoria's first formal dinner party with adults, staged in Chatsworth's Great Dining Room when she was 13 years old and recreated by scent artist Tasha Marks.
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Visitor information
Address
Chatsworth, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1PP
01246 565300
Opening times
Chatsworth is open from mid-March to early January, and closed 24 - 26 December and 1 January. Art Pass discount is not valid from 1 November - early January during the Christmas exhibition.
The booking code for National Art Pass members is artfund24
The code must be entered in the coupon/promo code box on the billing information page, and will only work on one ticket in the basket. Each member will need to book individually to redeem the discount.
Members must present a valid Art Pass on arrival to validate their discounted entry ticket.
Exclusions and safety measures
Closed 24, 25 & 26 December & 1 January.
Opening times vary throughout the year, check the website for details.
Visitor information
What else is on at Chatsworth
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