The House

Nancy Mitford's little sister Deborah, the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire has a problem we can each appreciate. She has too much stuff filling her closets and various homes. Left unsaid is probably a pressing need for a lot of cash to cover the death duties of the recently deceased 10th Duke.

So what's a girl to do when she needs to raise a pile of cash quickly, in unsettled times? We've already mentioned her new book ,and while sales may be brisk, represent egg money.

When you need serious cash one invites Sotheby's to look around. They'll created a plan.

Quoting their catalog:

"The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and the Trustees of the Chatsworth Settlement have instructed Sotheby’s to hold an auction of treasures gathered from the attics and stores at Chatsworth.

The sale comprises 20,000 objects in well over 1,000 lots which will be on view in a series of marquees in the grounds of the house from October 1st. The house and grounds will be open to the public as usual during the period of the sale and view.

Coming from the great houses of Chatsworth, Chiswick House, Bolton Abbey, Compton Place, Devonshire House, Hardwick Hall, Holker Hall and Lismore Castle, the sale includes works from almost every conceivable area: Architectural fittings, Books, Carriages and Cars, Ceramics and Glass, Collectables, Continental Furniture, English Furniture, European Sculpture, Garden Statuary, Natural History, Jewellery, Old Master and British Pictures, Oriental Works of Art, Silver and Plate, Objects of Vertu, Prints, Rugs and Carpets, Textiles, Tapestries and Wine."

Letting the wine cellar go, may be a step too far.

Toad