Chatsworth's 'lost' treasures up for sale
- Published
A stash of forgotten treasure found in the attic rooms of stately home Chatsworth House is to go up for auction later this year.
A hoard of objects, including a marble fireplace designed by the Derbyshire home's architect, William Kent, will go under the hammer in the autumn.
The house is the residence of the Duke of Devonshire, who said "the attics are absolutely choc-a-block".
"We needed to make some space and that's why we're having the sale."
Other items up for sale range from a Victorian back-scratcher to bedposts, bookcases and candelabras.
'Jigsaw puzzle'
Chatsworth has been the principal family seat of the Dukes of Devonshire since the 17th century.
The auction will comprise 20,000 objects - many of the items are from properties the family used to own, including Devonshire House and Chiswick House.
The three-day sale, to be organised by Sotheby's but held at Chatsworth House, is expected to raise in the region of £2.5m.
"Exploring the attics at Chatsworth took us on a remarkable journey," said the deputy chairman of Sotheby's UK, Harry Dalmeny.
"Like a jigsaw puzzle, the histories of many of the stately homes associated with the Devonshire family have been assembled once again," he added.
The proceeds of the auction, which will run from 5 - 7 October, will go towards the upkeep of the house.