This museum tells of this extraordinary family and its history from the beginnings of Renishaw in the 1500s to the present day.
The gallery downstairs shows the origins of the family, and moves on to concentrate on the influence and contributions of the three Sitwells, Osbert, Sacheverell and Edith, to the arts of their day. There is also background information on the well known theatrical and literary characters they mixed with and patronised.
These include Constant Lambert, Cecil Beaton, William Walton and T S Eliot.
For anyone studying the artistic milieu of the 1920s and 30s, it is a unique resource, and for those who are simply interested in the flavour of the times, and the people who have lived at and loved Renishaw, it is an atmospheric and informative collection of photographs and artefacts.
Upstairs is a collection of costumes and other artefacts which reflect the family today.