Since 2009, significant time and resource has been spent working to properly store and catalogue items in the Textiles collection. This enables us to share the collection more widely, develop greater awareness of the items in our care and raise the profile of this important area of the Devonshire Collections.
The potential of our Textiles archive
Throughout 2023, the textiles team welcomed eminent fashion designer Erdem Moralıoğlu alongside his design team for several research visits to explore historic textiles in the collection. Taking inspiration from Duchess ‘Debo’, Erdem’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection premiered in September 2023 and referenced historic patterned textiles and the shapes, silhouettes and styles worn by Duchess Deborah.
Exploring this story of creativity, our 2024 exhibition in the guest bedrooms, ‘Imaginary Conversations’ will provide insight into the creative process, from the initial thrill of discovery when delving into the Chatsworth archives to the artistry and techniques of designing new clothes.
The exhibition will present the original source material in dialogue with the ERDEM SS24 collection. Textiles and jewellery will be displayed alongside Erdem’s sketches and mood boards, with the eclectic taste of Duchess Deborah woven throughout.
‘Imaginary Conversations’ celebrates how Chatsworth, and its carefully preserved historical archives, looked after by Chatsworth House Trust, can inspire the artists, makers and fashion designers of today.
Accessing the Textiles archive
If you wish to visit to access our textiles archive, this is strictly by advance appointment only. Please make an enquiry via the details below.
Amber Rebeka
c/o Collections Department
Chatsworth
Bakewell
Derbyshire DE45 1PP
