Henry and The Lion’s Christmas Feast at Chatsworth

The iconic Sleeping and Crouching Lions of Chatsworth act as monumental guardians to the 6th Duke of Devonshire’s 19th century Sculpture Gallery.

As resting companions mirrored at either side of the great marble doorcase and Orangery entry, they were carved with a lustrous and anatomical attention to detail by sculptors Rinaldo Rinaldi and Francesco Benaglia.

With a combined weight of several tonnes of Carrara marble, they offer a beautiful and domineering presence on towering plinths marking the end of the house visitor route.

In having a permanent residency, for many of Chatsworth’s visitors, their impact continues to leave an enduring impression – not least on multi-award-winning children’s playwright, author and the UK’s 12th Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho OBE.

Joseph Coelho OBE (Image: Chatsworth House Trust) In partnership with Chatsworth, Joseph, whose notable works include the Luna Loves... picture books, the series Fairy Tales Gone Bad, and the novel The Girl Who Became A Tree, has written Henry and The Lion’s Christmas Feast, the inspiration behind this year’s house Christmas theme at Chatsworth.

‘I visited Chatsworth during the Christmas celebrations in December 2023 and towards the end of my visit I spied these two huge lion statues that frame the exit,’ Joseph tells Derbyshire Life.

‘I was enchanted by them and decided there and then that a lion would feature in the story I was creating, whilst the gallery itself left a lasting impression on me and has pride of place in the story -although in contrast to the Sculpture Gallery, rather than being big and grand, the lion in the story would be as tiny as a mouse.’

The Library at Chatsworth, which served as inspiration for Joseph (Image: DPC Photography/Chatsworth House Trust) The life and character of Henry Cavendish

In collaboration with Chatsworth’s creative team, led by textiles and seasonal programme curator Susie Stokoe, Joseph’s story is revealed across over 20 house rooms as part of a spectacular Christmas visitor experience.

The house showcases Joseph’s narrative of how Henry Cavendish, an innovative scientist and grandson of the 2nd Duke of Devonshire, is sent on an imaginative and wonderous exploration of house festivities towards a luxurious Christmas feast.

Ultimately, however, his curiosity leads to the discovery of the Chatsworth lion.

‘This magical tale is very much influenced by the time I spent visiting Chatsworth and researching its archives,’ continues Joseph.

‘I remember driving into the estate and getting that incredible first glimpse from afar. I was amazed at its size. I had of course seen many photographs and videos but nothing quite prepares you for its sheer gigantism.

‘Following the route around the house felt a bit like entering a fairground, with a new delight behind every turn. I was most intrigued by the library, which may have been due to it being roped off, but I was lucky enough to get to go inside and breathe in its beauty.’

Following his visits, an integral piece which led to the creation of his story, Joseph explains, was research into the life and character of the real Henry Cavendish.

The Great Dining Room (Image: DPC Photography/Chatsworth House Trust) Through the support of Erinna Cave, project archivist for the papers of Henry Cavendish at Chatsworth, Joseph discovered the eccentricities and unique qualities so associated with the experimental scientist.

Interestingly, he also learnt how Henry’s devotion to scientific research led to the discovery of hydrogen, whilst his investigations are celebrated to this day for their complexity and accuracy in measuring the density of the Earth.

‘Erinna kindly filled me in on all the particulars of Henry's life and studies, such as his love for a leg of lamb at dinner,’ says Joseph. ‘I also learned of his almost uniform-like approach to clothing in wearing the same style, material and colour of outfits throughout his life.’

During his time spent with Erinna, Joseph discovered the history of Henry’s creation of an electric fish and his interest in geology.

‘I also read a great deal,’ Joseph reveals, ‘especially around his experiment to measure the mass of the world.’

Reflecting on how this in-depth research played a key part in the partnership between Chatsworth and Joseph, Susie Stokoe describes how the story was underpinned with historic research along with the house itself as a source of first-hand inspiration.

‘Joseph immersed himself within Chatsworth and it was a pleasure to work with him,’ she says.

‘It’s been fascinating to see how he interpreted our brief and responded to the house and its collections.

‘He also examined some of Henry’s equipment and his diary and these will be out on display this Christmas as we have drawn on iconic pieces from our collections to create an immersive experience for our visitors.’

The Palace of Advent (2023) (Image: Simon Watkinson) Design, collaboration and house creativity

In showing the work and original artefacts associated with the life of Henry Cavendish, Susie reveals how this year’s Christmas theme highlights the important relationship between Chatsworth’s past and its present, with its collections an ongoing source of creative inspiration.

‘Last year the idea for The Palace of Advent came from Chatsworth’s nickname of ‘The Palace of the Peaks’ and the projection on the south facade was very much built around the architecture of the house,’ says Susie.

‘This year’s concept demonstrates that it’s become increasingly important for us to have a sense of place in our Christmas offer.’

And this year’s Christmas offer will be nothing if not immersive, with numerous references to Joseph’s book running throughout the visitor route, including sound and scent to tie in the entire experience -a Christmas Feast for all the senses.

There are also thematic nods to its narrative displayed throughout various rooms, although central to the house’s Christmas interiors are ultimately their splendour.

‘The Christmas decorations are the primary focus as we aim to create a beautiful, welcoming and festive environment for everyone to enjoy,’ continues Susie.

‘We have also aimed to introduce the book’s narrative in a subtle way so it enhances the experience for all visitors, whether they’re familiar with the story or not.’

Christmas at Chatsworth is an immersive experience (Image: DPC Photography/Chatsworth House Trust) This aspect, Susie says, became a reality through an inspired idea of telling the story using traditional toy theatres.

‘We have found a wonderful carpenter, Alex Pain, who is making these a reality,’ she continues. ‘Alex’s work sits wonderfully alongside Pollock’s Studio (a historic British toy theatre maker) who has supplied the theatre façade imagery.’

In addition to Chatsworth working closely with talented external makers to bring its theme to life, multiple internal departments have also been involved from across the estate.

This enormous team effort, she says, drives the popularity and success of Christmas at Chatsworth each year.

‘As usual, a Chatsworth Christmas is a homegrown affair and is contributed to by numerous departments right across the charity.

‘Floristry have worked on Flora’s Temple and the display up the Great Stairs; the electricians and joiners are a constant support making sure things can be mounted and power is where we need it; the technicians, conservation assistants and housekeepers work tirelessly to ensure everything is installed; whilst the landscape team help to set up the huge trees which form part of a very special visitor experience each Christmas.’

Christmas at Chatsworth is always a sight to behold (Image: DPC Photography/Chatsworth House Trust) The magic of Christmas

And yet, Susie feels, whilst the tradition and nostalgia of the decorations play an unmistakable part in the festivities at Christmas, the shared experience and lasting memories which are created by Chatsworth’s visitors are key reasons why so many return year after year.

‘It’s about spending time with loved ones, sharing an experience, remembering Christmases’ past and making new memories,’ she suggests.

‘It’s a day totally out of the normal. Gorgeous interiors and time and space to relax and enjoy the festive holiday experience.’

As for Joseph, he hopes that his Christmas story will nurture and encourage children’s self-belief as the innovation of Henry Cavendish is reinforced as a positive modern-day role model.

‘In all my work for children I try to empower the young reader and do this by giving them characters that they can imprint upon and see themselves within,’ he concludes.

‘In this story I hope that the children who visit Chatsworth this festive period will relate both to Henry with his curiosity and problem solving as well as the lion who might be small but ultimately has a mighty ROAR.’

Chatsworth at Christmas is on display from November 9 to January 5 and all tickets must be booked in advance.

For information visit chatsworth.org/events/Christmas

Henry and The Lion’s Feast, featuring illustrations by Vivien Mildenberger is available in Chatsworth gift shops and online.

In a Land Far, Far Away (2019) (Image: Scott Merrylees) 23 years of Christmas themes at Chatsworth