Immerse yourself in garden history with our brand-new introductory course, led by historian and Gardens Trust trustee Francesca Murray.
In Part One of the course we delve into gardens from the Middle Ages up to the 18th Century, with the help of the RHS Lindley Library collections.
In Session 3 we explore the 18th Century and Landscape Gardens. What have the works of Pliny got to do with cultivating English soil? Why not put a temple and a ha ha in your garden?
Unbounded freedom rules the wandering scene;
No fence of ownership crept in between
To hide the prospect from the gazing eye;
Its only bondage was the circling sky. - John Clare (1793-1864)
Pack your sunglasses, we are going to explore the Greek and Roman inspired gardens of Stowe, Chiswick and Painshill where architecture, politics and landscape are joined together in allegorical harmony. Take note to compare the eye-catching conceits of the English Landscape movement, transformed by armies of gardeners, with the enlightened networks of global plant exchange who were engaging in some rigorous classification principles.
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Course Leader
Francesca Murray - Francesca studied horticulture and garden design at Berkshire Agriculture College before running her own garden design business. Francesca has an MA in Garden History and is currently in her fourth year of a PhD at Queen Mary’s University of London, researching nineteenth-century gardeners and nurserymen. She is a trustee of the Gardens Trust and speaker for Perennial.
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Event Details
Tickets for this event are required, with the ticket cost supporting the RHS Lindley Library. Tickets are £40 for all three sessions in Part 1, or £15 for a single session. RHS membership not required.
The RHS Lindley Library opens at 10am, with the session beginning at 11am. This session will take place between the Library and the Council Chamber.
Please note that due to the nature of the Edwardian building, it is necessary for participants of the event to be able to independently manage stairs.
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Ticket Information
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