Since the 1950s, Chatsworth and its collections have undergone a renaissance under the leadership of the 11th and 12th Dukes and Duchesses of Devonshire, after the shock of 80% death duties imposed in 1950. This lecture paints a portrait of Derbyshire's treasure house in the modern age, and includes work by modern and contemporary artists and makers that have found their home in the historic context of the interiors, collections and landscape at Chatsworth, from Lucian Freud, Elisabeth Frink, David Hockney and David Nash, to Richard Long, Allen Jones, Michael Craig-Martin and Edmund de Waal. The lecture also illustrates the extensive recent decorative and furnishing renovations in the house, and the restoration of historic interiors, stone work and works of art.
Views: 269 | Enquiries: 0I have an art history degree, and I have been giving public lectures for 30+ years. I worked at the historic estate of Chatsworth, in Derbyshire, for 19 years, latterly as their head of communications, and give a number of talks about its art collections (ancient and modern, garden and park landscape, history and family, including a lecture on Deborah, the Mitford Duchess of Devonshire, who I knew well. I was lucky enough to lecture around the UK, in Europe and all over the USA on behalf of Chatsworth, and I now take that experience, and close knowledge of my subject, to audiences around the UK as a freelance lecturer.
I also give lectures about two very different Victorians, John Ruskin and Joseph Paxton, both fascinating and inspiring men for totally different reasons, as well as on the brilliant land-artist Julie Brook.
I am lucky to talk about subjects that I feel passionate about, and am grateful to receive feedback from audiences that my lectures are entertaining, engaging and inspiring, as well as informative and thought-provoking. My lectures are normally given with digital powerpoint images, and last an hour, though I can adapt some of my talks for after-dinner or other occasions.
As well as my lecturing, I have a private practice as a Life Coach, working one-to-one with clients, and I also work part time for arts and heritage charities helping with communications.
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