Duchess of Devonshire, December 1949. The Cecil Beaton Studio Archive at Sotheby's Never a Bore is a fascinating collection of rarely seen and intimate photographs of the late Dowager Duchess, Deborah Devonshire, and her glittering social circle, taken by her friend and well known portrait photographer Cecil Beaton. The exhibition takes its inspiration from one of Beaton's most famous remarks: "Perhaps the world's second-worst crime is boredom; the first is being a bore." Beaton was an early house guest of the Devonshires when they moved to Chatsworth in 1959, and captured many candid and relaxed portraits of his friend, Deborah Devonshire. Renowned for his images of glamour, elegance and style, Cecil Beaton photographed many of the 20th century's most interesting personalities, from politicians and artists to Hollywood legends. This new exhibition presents around 65 photographs from The Cecil Beaton Studio Archive, on loan from Sotheby's, along with other rarely seen items from the Chatsworth archive. Combined with Cecil Beaton's insightful and witty commentary on many of his subjects, Never a Bore will recreate the essence of the Duchess's world and dazzling social set. On display in the New Gallery, the exhibition is included in the normal house admission. For more information and ticketing options, visit www.chatsworth.org

Le 2 mars 2016 chez Sotheby’s à Londres, vente de photos réalisées par les plus célèbres photographes, d’objets divers et variés dont de la porcelaine ainsi que de bijoux ayant appartenu à Deborah Mitford, duchesse de Devonshire qui régna en parfaite maîtresse de maison sur le château de Chatsworth. La duchesse est décédée en 2014. Les biens mis en vente seront exposés du 27 février au 1er mars chez Sotheby’s. (Merci à Anne P.)