Arts, Culture and Heritage Interview Jane Marriott, Director, Chatsworth House
Rebekah Herz-Bauman, Partner in GatenbySanderson’s Not for Profit practice, speaks with Jane Marriott, Director of Chatsworth House, on how heritage organisations can honour their past whilst actively shaping their future.
Under the leadership of Director, Jane Marriott, Chatsworth is redefining what a historic house can be in the 21st century.
While renowned for its magnificent architecture, gardens and collections, the Derbyshire estate is increasingly positioning itself as a charity, cultural institution and community partner committed to making a positive social impact. Through innovative exhibitions, accessibility initiatives and partnerships, Chatsworth is demonstrating how heritage organisations can honour their past while actively shaping the future.
Jane describes Chatsworth as a place that has always evolved. Built and developed over more than 500 years by the Devonshire family, it has continually adapted to changing social, political and cultural landscapes. However, she believes its charitable and public-benefit role has not always been fully understood. Since joining in 2023, she has focused on highlighting Chatsworth as “more than a house” – a place of creativity, community and inspiration.
This vision is reflected in an ambitious programme of exhibitions that draws on the breadth of the estate’s collections. Recent themes have explored fashion, design and literature, while future plans include inviting contemporary artists to respond to the house and its treasures. Alongside international partnerships with organisations such as the British Museum, National Galleries Scotland and the Getty Institute, Chatsworth continues to share its collections with audiences around the world.
A key priority has been improving access. Recognising that cost can be a barrier, Chatsworth introduced £3 tickets for people receiving benefits, expanding the scheme from 9,000 to 20,000 tickets. The organisation has also partnered with local libraries to create a pioneering membership scheme that allows families to borrow free Chatsworth access passes, helping attract both new visitors and new library members.
Jane believes resilience comes from balancing preservation with purpose. Whether restoring the historic Cascade water feature, supporting wellbeing programmes with Mind, or empowering young people through educational initiatives and takeovers, Chatsworth is proving that heritage is not simply about protecting the past. It is about using history, culture and community to create a more inclusive and positive future.
View the interview here, in 3 segments:
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