Burghley

Arts and Learning - The Collections

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A fine example of our collection as illustrated in the Fourth George Room.
A fine example of our collection as illustrated in the Fourth George Room.

Burghley is a real treasure house having been transformed throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries by two great collecting Earls. During the late 17th century the reign of John, the 5th Earl, and his Countess, Anne transformed and embellished Burghley beyond recognition. Lord Exeter’s considerable taste was greatly aided by marrying a great heiress, Anne Cavendish, daughter of the 3rd Earl of Devonshire (from Chatsworth). The couple shared a passion for beautiful things and a lust for travel. They were among the first ’Grand Tourists’ and travelled to the great cultural centre of Europe collecting paintings, tapestries, sculptures and objects of virtue.

In the eighteenth century, Brownlow the 9th Earl continued the transformation of the House, completing much of the interior which had lain forlorn since the death of the 5th Earl employing many of the foremost craftsmen to complete the interior fittings of Burghley. In particular the George Rooms on the South Side, planned by John as the crowning glory of his scheme of refurbishment, was uncompleted upon his death and it was left to Brownlow to complete the scheme like his ancestor, he purchased paintings and tapestries on travels through Europe from contemporary artists but also from those of the late seventeenth century. All of our collections can be enjoyed on a guided tour or at your own leisure on a Sunday. Specialist lectures, study days and tours can be arranged with our conservators, curator and guides.