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| Detail. Humphry Repton,
Observations on the theory and practice of landscape gardening.
London: Printed by T. Bensley for J. Taylor, 1803. deB Ee/1803/R. |
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The acquisition of this first edition of Humphry Repton's Observations is an important addition to the collections' strength in garden history. Indeed in this work Repton (1752-1818) introduces the phrase ‘landscape gardening' to the English language. He was a British landscape designer who favoured a more careful style of garden design. His reconstructions often employed regular bedding, straight paths close to the house, and an restrained informality in parks, much in the model of Capability Brown. This was opposed to Richard Payne Knight and Uvedale Price, both champions of the Picturesque, with their much wilder and more rugged style. Repton was also a talented watercolourist and to sell his ideas to his clients, he made flaps which they could lift to make a direct comparison between the ‘before and after' designs. This is partially evident in the Burley House illustration on display.
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