In the latest twist in the saga surrounding the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, Rose Hanbury, and her husband, David Rocksavage, a new controversy has erupted, calling into question the provenance of certain works of art and period furnishings in their possession.
The couple, who live in the majestic Houghton Hall mansion in Norfolk, have been the subject of speculation following the publication of photographs in high-profile publications such as the Financial Times and Vanity Fair, showing pieces that some believe may have been dubiously acquired from China.
Rose Hanbury’s house controversy
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They point out that the family’s collections include artifacts from the Qing Dynasty, which they argue should be returned to museums in their country of origin.
Although no official complaint has yet been filed by China, the online discussion has gained traction, with posts on the Chinese platform Xiaohongshu detailing the decorative items in question.
The connection of these pieces to Sybil Sassoon, Hanbury’s grandmother-in-law and a member of a distinguished family of Jewish and Iraqi descent with influence in Asia during the 19th century, adds a layer of complexity to the matter.
Meanwhile, the Marquesses of Cholmondeley have opted for silence, avoiding statements confirming or denying the allegations about the family estate.
This cautious approach keeps the focus on the cultural heritage and provenance of the treasures that adorn Houghton Hall, an 18th-century property that is now at the center of a debate that crosses borders and eras.
