Study Day – Charles Bridgeman: Pioneer of the Naturalistic Landscape

Despite being a popular designer in the early 18^th century, Bridgeman’s place in garden history and many of his landscapes remained neglected over time. Although not so well-known as his illustrious successors, Capability Brown and Humphrey Repton, Bridgeman can be safely claimed as the first landscape designer of note to adopt a more naturalistic style of park and garden design. He became well-known in his day for redesigning the large estates of the wealthy as well as the Royal Parks and Gardens. Although he is most famous for popularising the ha-ha, now exciting new discoveries have come to light and this day will seek to illuminate his progressive contribution to the transition from the formal designs of the 17^th century to the freer and naturalistic designed landscapes of the 18^th.

The morning will consist of 3, 45-minute talks and a Q&A session. Sue Haynes, whose new book on Bridgeman is due out on 12^th December, will give us an overview of Bridgeman’s work; Jenny Milledge will talk about his work in Hertfordshire and Anne Rowe will describe the exciting discoveries made at some Bridgeman sites in the county.

The venue is the delightful Hastoe Village Hall which was built for the villagers by Alice Rothschild of Tring Park and is in walking distance of the Ridgeway Path which leads to the famous rond point, restored after careful research by HGT and reopening magnificent views over the Park.

A buffet/sandwich lunch will be provided and there will be plenty of tea and coffee available. After lunch a guided walk of approx. 1 hour, 30 mins/2 hours along the Ridgeway path to view the work in Tring Park will be offered. Transport will be available from the station in Tring to the Hall. There is parking available at the hall itself.

The cost is £45 (£50 for non members) and tickets can be bought from Eventbrite here.