The 6th Duke and Wyatville removed the four floors that once divided this space in order to create this grand staircase. It connects the Baroque house with his new north wing and its suite of grand reception rooms above a new range of domestic service apartments, built between 1818 and 1832.
In 1928 this space was altered to reflect changes in taste, and in an attempt to more closely unite its style of decoration with the old house. In 2009, after a programme of restoration, the space was restored to its original Wyatville scheme.
The principle feature of that scheme is the dome and lantern that tower above and provide light for the stairs. The walls are hung with family and royal portraits ranging from the 1st Duke to the 11th Duke. On the large wall opposite the head of the stairs are different members of the family. The central portrait of a man on horseback shows the 1st Duke when he was 4th Earl in around 1670.
Below is a group portrait of the 3rd Earl of Burlington and his family with a servant. It is by Jan-Baptiste van Loo (1684-1745) and was painted in 1739, being delivered to Burlington House on Christmas Eve. Lady Burlington and her elder daughter Dorothy are both portrayed as artists.
On the wall to the right is a pair of portraits painted at the time of the coronation of Tsar Nicholas I of Russia (1796-1855) and his Tsarina. Painted by George Dawe (1781-1829) they were commissioned by the 6th Duke who was a close friend of the Tsar.
Underneath the second floor gallery is the group portrait of the Acheson sisters by John Singer Sargent (1856-1925). These sisters were the granddaughters by her first marriage of Duchess Louise. The artist had wanted to paint the sisters using some of the poses they adopted when playing golf, but instead this more conventional representation of Edwardian elegance was chosen.
Portrait of the Acheson sisters, John Singer Sargent, 1902
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Painted Hall
Used to welcome and impress guests, this was the largest and grandest room built by the 1st Duke.
Oak Room
This room was completely changed by the 6th Duke with the wood panelling he bought at an auction.
Chapel
This is the least changed room at Chatsworth, the 1st Duke employed the best artists to realise his designs.
State Drawing Room
The second room of the State Apartment, a suite of rooms intended to host a king.
State Bedchamber
One of the most private rooms in the State Apartment, this room was more lavishly decorated than all the others and features the State Bed.
Old Master Drawings Cabinet
This room was designed to display Old Master Drawings.
North Sketch Gallery
The North Sketch Gallery, created in 2009, showcases contemporary art and ceramics.
Library and Ante Library
There are over 17,000 books in these two rooms. The whole Chatsworth book collection numbers around 40,000 volumes.
Great Dining Room
Built as part of the 6th Duke’s renovation, this room is still used for formal dinners.
Sculpture Gallery
Built by the 6th Duke, the gallery contains one of the foremost early 19th century contemporary collections of sculpture.
History of Chatsworth
Learn about the Devonshires and discover how they shaped the history of the house, garden and collection that we see today.
History of the garden
The garden evolved over nearly 500 years. Discover its history and the people who shaped it.
The Devonshire Collections
Discover highlights from the art, library and archive that make up the Devonshire Collections.
The House
Learn more about what's on in the house.
