Garden buildings, grottoes & entertainment al-fresco

For all its aesthetic ideals and painterly compositions, the English landscape garden was ultimately intended for recreation. Follies, tea temples and other small-scale garden buildings encouraged architectural experimentation, whilst practically supplying shelter and shade for picnics and an exciting destination for drinking and dining.

Set apart from the country house, hermitages and classical pavilions provided privacy, seclusion and a sense of retreat within the landscape, encouraging study and quiet contemplation. At night, shadowy grottoes were illuminated by candlelight, and fireworks launched – often disastrously – from lodges or other purpose-built structures.

This lecture explores the role of architectural features within eighteenth-century garden design, and considers how they were used and enjoyed in all weathers and throughout the seasons.

Dr Laura Meyer

This is an Avon Gardens Trust talk – for tickets go to Ticket Tailor.