von, Trotha, Hans

Garden design in England was entirely reinvented during the 18th century. The strictly symmetrical gardens of the French Baroque were replaced by artificial landscapes almost indistinguishable from natural scenery. What continues to govern our notions of a beautiful landscape, even today, is the ideal image of nature conceived by 18th-century English landscape gardeners. Hans von Trotha’s journey through the history of the English garden introduces us to 12 of the most important, original, and beautiful parks in Britain, all of which can be visited today. On the way, we learn how the new landscape garden was born of the spirit of political opposition. We also learn of the significance of imitation Greek temples and Gothic ruins.