Beatrix Farrand: Garden Artist Landscape Architect

Beatrix Farrand: Private Gardens, Public Landscapes is a 2022 book that showcases the life and work of the renowned landscape designer of the early 1900s, Beatrix Farrand. Born into a prominent New York family, Farrand pursued her passion for landscape and plants, becoming a consultant for university campuses and public gardens. Her best-known work is the extensive garden at Dumbarton Oaks, influenced by English landscape designer Gertrude Jekyll. The book features lush illustrations and watercolor wash renderings of her designs, preserved at the University of California at Berkeley.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 24 March 2022
Publisher: Monacelli Press

Beatrix Farrand: Private Gardens, Public Landscapes is a captivating exploration of the life and remarkable work of one of the most influential landscape designers of the early 1900s. Hailing from a prominent New York family, Farrand defied societal conventions and pursued her unwavering passion for landscape and plants. Her clients encompassed the highest echelons of society, with estates nestled in Newport, the Berkshires, and Maine. However, it was her remarkable journey as a consultant for university campuses, including esteemed institutions like Yale and Princeton, and public gardens, such as the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and the Rose Garden at The New York Botanical Garden, that truly defined her legacy.

One of Farrand's most renowned masterpieces is the extensive garden at Dumbarton Oaks, originally a private residence and now a prestigious research institute of Harvard University. Deeply inspired by the English landscape designer Gertrude Jekyll, Farrand's gardens were characterized by vast expanses of lush lawn adorned with intricate borders meticulously planted in a harmonious palette of foliage and flowers. The meticulous attention to detail and her signature style of blending colors and textures have resulted in breathtaking photographs that capture the essence of her designs.

To complement these captivating visuals, the book includes beautiful watercolor wash renderings of Farrand's designs, meticulously preserved at the library of the University of California at Berkeley. These renderings provide a deeper insight into her artistic vision and add a touch of elegance to the overall presentation.

Beatrix Farrand: Private Gardens, Public Landscapes is a testament to the indomitable spirit of a woman who defied societal expectations and pursued her passion with unwavering dedication. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence landscape designers worldwide, reminding us of the power of nature and the transformative impact of well-designed spaces. This captivating book is a must-read for anyone with an interest in the art of landscape design and the remarkable stories behind the creations of great designers.

Dimension: 279 x 229 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781580935937