An original festive story, written exclusively for Chatsworth by multi-award winning children’s author and former children’s laureate, Joseph Coelho OBE, was the backdrop to the 2024 Christmas at Chatsworth celebrations. 

‘Henry and the Lion’s Christmas Feast’ is an enchanting story inspired by Chatsworth and the life and work of Henry Cavendish, the eminent eighteenth-century scientist and grandson of the 2nd Duke of Devonshire.

The book tells the tale of young Henry and his accomplice, a little lion, inspired by the giant stone statues in the Sculpture Gallery at Chatsworth, as they go on a quest to find a festive feast and the adventures they encounter along the way. In 2024, the house and garden were transformed into a magical adventure where visitors could follow in the footsteps of the story’s protagonists, with scenery and decorations incorporating the book’s illustrations, created by award-winning illustrator Vivien Mildenberger.

Visitors of all ages were able to spot the characters as they journeyed through the house, with a menace of mischievous mice hiding along the route, carrying food to the feast. Guests were also invited to hunt for the little lion himself as they made their own way to the banquet, laid out in the Great Dining Room. 

Image: Joseph Coelho with the sculpture that inspired his new festive story

By drawing on the life and scientific experiments of Henry, often referred to as 'the man who weighed the world', the story aims to inspire visitors to question their surroundings and see things from a new perspective. Instruments from Henry’s famous experiments, which form part of the Devonshire Collections, were also on display.

Pop up theatres, which were crafted in partnership with London’s oldest toymakers, Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop, also brought the story’s illustrations to life, with a special example in the Great Chamber allowing visitors to step inside the story and see things from the lion’s point of view.

The experience was a feast for the senses, as Chatsworth’s collaboration with fragrance experts meant visitors were met by their favourite festive scents along the way, from chocolate and gingerbread to the smells of a Christmas kitchen.

The celebration continued into the garden, where an illuminated light trail embraced some of Chatsworth’s best-loved garden landmarks. Following the popularity of 2023's giant animated projection on the house, Derbyshire-based digital artists Illuminos were commissioned again to create a brand new projection for 2024, which brought the characters from the book to life.

Watch a short clip of the 2024 projection on the house (copyright Chatsworth House Trust)

Susie Stokoe, Head of Textiles at Chatsworth, commented: “We’re thrilled to have worked with Joseph Coelho for the 2024 Christmas experience, creating a magical new festive story that celebrates Chatsworth’s history and collection. 

“2024 is a year of celebrating childhood at Chatsworth and we’ve been encouraging visitors to look at things from different perspectives. Our Christmas experience this year continues that theme, from taking on the view of the brave little lion to the visionary thinking of Henry Cavendish. 

“We can’t wait for our visitors to immerse themselves in this exciting story of friendship, discovery and feasting, and see Chatsworth in a new festive light!”

Joseph Coelho, author of ‘Henry and the Lion’s Christmas Feast’ said: “It was such a wonderful challenge to be invited to write a new book that would inspire the Christmas decorations at Chatsworth this year.

“I was really captivated by the life of Henry Cavendish and his amazing scientific experiments, and I got great ideas from visiting the house and grounds, especially going through the Sculpture Gallery when I saw the two great lions. I thought how interesting it would be to put the Chatsworth lion and Henry Cavendish face to face and give them a little adventure together. 

“I hope that visitors come to Chatsworth and, seeing the decorations, are inspired by all the Christmassy mischief that Henry and the lion get up to and leave with that excited bubbly feeling you get when you know that Christmas is around the corner.”

About Joseph Coelho OBE

Joseph Coelho is a best-selling, multi-award winning children’s playwright and author of over 45 books.

His The Boy Lost in The Maze was the winner of the 2024 Carnegie Medal for writing and has received international acclaim appearing on the White Raven Book list - Munich, The IBBY UK Honour Books List and awarded The Extraordinary Book of 2023 by The International Children's Literature Festival of Berlin. Joseph was the Waterstone's Children’s Laureate 2022 - 2024.

The illustrations featured on this page are by Vivien Mildenberger and are taken from Henry and the Lion's Christmas Feast, a new story by Joseph Coelho OBE.

About Vivien Mildenberger

Vivien Mildenberger is an award-winning illustrator based in Nashville, Tennessee. She has illustrated numerous children’s books including Comet Chaser, All in a Drop and her upcoming author/illustrated debut Otto and the Story Tree.

Vivien's illustrations often explore themes of nature, fantasy, and childhood wonder, capturing the imagination of both young and adult audiences. Her illustrative style is characterised by a distinctive colour palette, expressive characters, and intricate details.

Her creativity and technical skill have earned her numerous awards and accolades including the American Library Association’s Sibert Honor Book, as well as appearing in the World Illustration Awards, American Illustration, New American Paintings and many others.

About Henry Cavendish

Henry Cavendish (10 October 1731-24 February 1810) was the grandson of the 2nd Duke of Devonshire. His father Lord Charles, the brother of the 3rd Duke, was a known scientist in his own right and a Fellow of the Royal Society. Henry followed in his father’s footsteps, making investigations in many scientific areas including gases, electricity, magnetism, heat, geology, astronomy and optics.

During his lifetime, Henry was well-known for his work on gases (he discovered hydrogen), ascertaining that water was a compound of gases, and for determining the density of the Earth. After his death, his papers revealed the extent of his genius, leading to a comparison with Newton.

Learn more about Henry and research undertaken by Chatsworth House Trust into his papers, and personal possessions preserved in our archive in our blog series.