Gardens At Rousham

Rousham in Oxfordshire, designed by William Kent in the late 1730s, is a pilgrimage site for landscape architects and garden designers. Francis Hamel has created an extraordinary collection of paintings that capture the gardens' magic, with essays by Tom Stuart-Smith, Joanna Kavenna, and Christopher Woodward.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 18 October 2021
Publisher: Clearview

Rousham in Oxfordshire, a verdant paradise nestled within the embrace of England, stands as one of the pioneering landscape gardens that have left an indelible mark on the annals of horticulture. Conceived by the visionary mind of William Kent in the late 1730s, this enchanting oasis was meticulously crafted for the Cottrell-Dormer family, who continue to cherish and maintain it to this day. Rousham has transcended its mere status as a garden; it has become a revered pilgrimage site for landscape architects, garden designers, and enthusiasts alike, drawing visitors from across the globe. Its captivating glades and awe-inspiring sculptural set-pieces have long captured the imagination of Francis Hamel, a man who has dedicated 25 years of his life to residing and working within its confines. Since the dawn of 2020, Hamel has embarked on an extraordinary artistic journey, crafting a collection of paintings that vividly depict the gardens' ethereal beauty and mystique. Accompanied by insightful essays by Tom Stuart-Smith, Joanna Kavenna, and Christopher Woodward, this captivating book guides readers on a mysterious exploration of Rousham's labyrinthine pathways. From the serene tree-shaded walks adorned with statues of mythical deities such as Pan and Venus to the sun-drenched meadows adorned with a vibrant array of wildflowers, every step unveils a secret world that remains untouched by time. Rousham remains as Kent envisioned it—a hidden garden, open to all who seek solace and inspiration within its serene embrace.

Weight: 1236g
Dimension: 369 x 589 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781908337610