In what is becoming a new theme in the auction market following the success of Patricia Kluge’s sale in Virginia and the recent outpouring of aristocratic furnishings at Sotheby’s, the auction house announces that they will be selling their Deputy Chairman’s 1400 items left in storage, according to the Financial Times:
The items to be auctioned at Chatsworth at the start of October include architectural salvage of the highest order: large chunks of Devonshire House, the London seat of the duke’s ancestors, which was demolished in the 1920s. Star lots include a “magnificent” carved white marble chimney piece from 1735 by architect William Kent, priced at £200,000 to £300,000. Enough fittings survive from Devonshire House for a wealthy enthusiast to recreate the library, ballroom and saloon. Sotheby’s expects bidding from Russian oligarchs with London mansions. […]
Derbyshire locals on tighter budgets could be tempted by cheaper lots, such as a porcelain teacup for £20. But the most compelling items for many bidders will be those connected with celebrated members of the Devonshire clan. One example would be a cane-seated chair bought by Georgiana, fifth Duchess of Devonshire, an 18th-century socialite, gambler and political schemer. Another would be a record player belonging to “Debo” dowager Duchess of Devonshire, one of the aristocratic Mitford sisters. They danced to the player’s music before politics divided them – Diana and Unity were Nazi sympathisers and Jessica was a Communist.
Duke of Devonshire to Auction Unwanted Artefacts (Financial Times)