The 18th century landscape is viewed by many as being the pinnacle of English garden design. From its early Arcadian experiments and passion for all things classical, through to the vast and minimal landscapes of Capability Brown and his contemporaries, the gardening century was brought to a close with conflicting appeals for rugged wildness and domestic prettiness.
In a new five part series sponsored by the Gardens Trust, Dr Laura Mayer will explore some of the themes and trends that emerged during the century, with a particular focus on the role of art, antiquity and architecture in shaping 18th landscape designs. The series is designed to pick up on themes and ideas not covered in any depth in last year’s introductory course on the History of Gardens – and so may appeal whether or not you joined us for the earlier series. The ticket for the entire series costs £35 for the 5 sessions, or you may purchase a ticket for individual sessions, costing £8. [Gardens Trust members £26.25 or £6 each]. To register through Eventbrite, click HERE. Attendees will be sent a Zoom link 2 days (and again a few hours) prior to the start of the first talk (If you do not receive this link, please contact us), and a link to the recorded session will be sent shortly after each session and will be available for 2 weeks.
Week Two on October 28 is Visiting Arcadia: Architecture and Antiquity. The Grand Tour transformed British culture in the eighteenth century; its effects visible in everything from art to antiquarianism, and fashion to food. A carefully prescribed route took in ancient ruins, sun-drenched landscapes and must-see objects d’art. Consequently, the Grand Tour became an educational rite of passage for the classically trained, encouraging the excavations at Herculaneum and Pompeii, and providing a constant stream of commissions for artists like Batoni, Piranesi and Canaletto.
The Tour was also a socially sanctioned cover for all types of excess, from gambling and pillaging, to whoring and drinking. Yet despite these temptations, many young men returned from the Continent genuinely enlightened. Clubs were set up to encourage aspiring architects and garden designers to mingle with collectors and would-be patrons.
This lecture explores the dual nature of the Tour and reveals how a network of wealthy connoisseurs influenced the Arcadian landscape gardens of the Georgian gentry.
