This era saw the birth of the English Landscape movement. From about 1700 onwards, visiting gardens had become a national pastime. The grand tour of Europe became a part of every gentleman’s education.
Formal gardens were on the way out and writers and landscapers advocated a return to nature. After seeing the ruins of ancient Rome and Greece, landowners came home to England hoping to create a classic wilderness in their country estates.
Capability Brown came to prominence in the second half of the century. His design philosophy was that the landscape should run right up to the walls of the house, which would usually be set on high ground to enjoy the best view.
the bristish landscape movement (1750 – 1780)
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