Devonshire Collections Research Fellow (18-months) in Bakewell

Piloting a new model for research with a focus on the Ancient and Classical holdings within the collection.

Supported by a generous grant from Art Fund, Chatsworth House Trust is seeking an exceptional early or mid-career researcher to undertake the inaugural Devonshire Research Fellowship, a ground-breaking role that will reimagine the potential of object-focused scholarship within a historic house context. Located within the Peak District National Park, Chatsworth comprises a Grade I listed house and stables, a 105-acre garden, a 1,822-acre park and a farmyard and adventure playground. Chatsworth House Trust was established in 1981 to look after the house, extensive collections, garden, woodlands, and park for the benefit of everyone. Every penny of visitor admission income, Gift Aid, membership, sponsorship and donations is reinvested into the charity. Chatsworth plays an important role in the local community as a thriving cultural and educational destination, a nationally important historic landscape, and a working estate that operates with a mindful approach to the environment and sustainability.

This 18-month fellowship will investigate the provenance and journeys of objects relating to Ancient and Classical Civilisations within the Devonshire Collections. The Fellow will develop object biographies, trace histories of acquisition and circulation, and contextualise objects through their socio-political, material, and cultural histories. As a pilot for a new Fellowship programme, this role places equal value on scholarly rigour and public impact. You will co-create research with communities, embed lived-experience perspectives, and work closely with cross-departmental teams to shape outputs that will inform interpretation, programming, and a major forthcoming exhibition in 2029. This is a fixed-term Fellowship for a period of 18 months with hybrid working options available, on a freelance/consultant basis. We are open to exploring models of working which reduce financial and geographical barriers to participation, e.g. offering a flexible residency model and remote research opportunities.

We are seeking a researcher to lead object-based and provenance research, engage diverse communities, and contribute to public programming within a historic collection. It is essential that you have the following:

• Postgraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g. art history, archaeology, history, museum studies).
• Proven experience in object-based and provenance research, with strong understanding of ethical and international standards.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse communities and co-create knowledge.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for academic, public, and community audiences.
• Independent, flexible working style suited to a historic, public-facing heritage environment.

It’s a bonus if you also have:

• Experience producing research outputs with both scholarly and public value.
• Familiarity with historic house or non-accredited collections.
• Understanding of complex histories, including colonial contexts, restitution or heritage ethics.
• Existing networks in provenance research, Classical/Ancient studies, or community-engaged scholarship.

In return:

• £48,000 fee (freelance, inclusive of all taxes)
• Up to £3,000 for travel and accommodation costs
• £2,000 research/materials budget
• £6,000 budget for community engagement activities
• Access to desk space, IT support, and the Collections team at Chatsworth
• Mentorship Opportunities for national and international profile-building.

Research undertaken through the Devonshire Fellowship will be carried out in partnership with Chatsworth House Trust and in accordance with Art Fund’s principles of open, ethical and collaborative research. Intellectual property in research outputs will normally be held by Chatsworth House Trust reflecting its responsibility for the care, stewardship and interpretation of the Devonshire Collections. Fellows will be fully credited for their research and supported to disseminate their work through publications, presentations and public engagement. The Trust encourages scholarly publication and knowledge sharing, subject to appropriate acknowledgment, collections care requirements, and any necessary approvals relating to confidentiality or sensitivity.

Interviews will take place week commencing 13th April 2026.