Treasures from Chatsworth: The Exhibition

Treasure of the Week: Pippin Drysdale's 'Evensong' from the Devils Marbles Series

New York
The Devonshire Collection encompasses thousands of objects that have been carefully collected over 500 years. Because of this extraordinary breadth, choosing the 43 pieces that would travel to Sotheby's New York as part of the Treasures from Chatsworth exhibition was a challenging feat. Spotlighted here is Evensong, from Pippin Drysdale's Devils Marbles series

Evensong on display in the State Bedroom at Chatsworth, 2018.

T his ceramic work, comprised of 20 glazed porcelain pieces, was in part a gift from the artist Pippin Drysdale, to the Duke and Duchess on their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 2017. The remainder were purchased later that year.

The Duke of Devonshire recalls, "As is often the case, we bumped into Pippin's work before we met her. Having acquired some of her pots we were naturally interested to find out more about the maker. We now know her quite well and take great pleasure in her company although geography is a challenge as she lives in Australia. We never had a particular place in mind when we acquired any of her work but it seems that for instance this suite, Devils Marbles, is extremely popular with many of our visitors, placed as it usually is, in a very richly decorated 1700s interior on top of a 'bureau plat' by Charles Boulle."

Pippin Drysdale's work recalls the geology, biodiversity, colors and textures of the Australian landscape, referencing different landforms across the desert valley, depicting shadows and colors at different times of the day.

If you like something enough you should collect it if you can, and disregard other people's opinions
The Duke of Devonshire

The Devils Marbles from All Angles

Pippin Drysdale's Evensong from the Devils Marbles series, on view at Sotheby's New York.

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