Topic 1 Element 1 & 2 Flashcards
Medieval gardens : Role and purpose:
Recreation for the wealthy (within castle walls);
monastic gardens for contemplation,
physic gardens for herbs
Medieval gardens : Historical period
1066-1485 roughly (Norman Conquest – Bosworth)
Tudor Garden : Historical period
1485 – 1603
Henry VI to end of Elizabeth I including Henry VIII
Medieval gardens : Key Characteristics
hortus conclusus, enclosed gardens protecting users from the ‘wilderness’.
Wattle fencing, trellis, stonework to exclude outsiders. Flowers, fruit trees, ‘flowery mead’ and turf seats.
Often quadrants, water in rills.
Limited palette of native plants plus early ‘exotics’ like roses, carnations.
‘Mary gardens’ – plants associated by name/tradition with the Virgin Mary. Lilium candidum.
Medieval gardens, Influences on the development of this garden-style - ‘Spirit of the Age’
Religion – specifically Christian, and Catholic. Introspective.
Also Courtly Love and the ‘Roman de la Rose’.
Medieval gardens, Influences on the development of this garden-style - Politics, society, and common values
Feudal society, serfdom; religion very important; monastic orders wealthy custodians of literature and learning, medicine.
The Black Death and Peasants Revolt bring the end of feudalism.
Medieval gardens, Influences on the development of this garden-style - Exploration and trade
Contacts mainly Europe and Near East, Islamic influences on garden style from C14 Spain. Crusaders bring in some plants: roses, rosemary, sage, thyme.
Medieval gardens, Influences on the development of this garden-style : Colonialisation and the development of empire
Parts of France still English; technically, all of England a Norman-French colony?
Crusades to Holy Land ( Christian ‘Kingdom of Jerusalem’ 1099-1291)
Medieval gardens, Influences on the development of this garden-style : The assimilation of gardening styles from different cultures:
Islamic influences on garden style from C14 Spain bring in earlier Persian garden themes – enclosed or walled gardens in four quadrants (Charbagh or Chahar Bagh) , central water feature with rills, theme of paradise garden.
(These themes are picked up again repeatedly in later garden styles)
Medieval gardens, Influences on the development of this garden-style : Evolving concepts of the garden
Green space =: hunting park for nobility;
Garden = secluded space within castle walls for flirting and courtly love, for meditation and prayer in a monastery,
herbs for physic garden
Medieval gardens, Influences on the development of this garden-style : Art and architectural style
Norman (round arches) Gothic (pointed arches); period in which amazing churches and cathedrals were constructed by gangs of skilled stonemasons. Westminster Hall (House of Commons) - medieval hammer beam roof.
Tudor gardens : Role and purpose:
Display of wealth, a place for recreation for the very wealthy.
Growing herbs and medicinal plants
Kitchen gardens contributed to food production.
Tudor gardens : Key Characteristics
Knot gardens are created using low-growing plants and herbs, intricately woven or clipped into elaborate patterns.
Terraces – to provide different levels
Topiary
Herb Gardens
Tudor Gardens : Named examples of this style of garden
Montacute
The Vyne
Hampton Court
Tudor Gardens : Key designers and their work
Cardinal Wolsey and Hampton Court.
Tudor Gardens : Influences on the development of this garden style ‘Spirit of the Age’
Period of Reformation – End of Catholic church and control from Rome – beginning of Church of England. Catholicism to Protestantism
Influence by the French especially under Henry ViII
Period of extended wealth and growth of the Empire, beginning of exploration
A sense of order reflected in symmetry and management of nature
Tudor Gardens : Influences on the development of this garden style - Politics, society, and common values
This was a period of significant change for the majority of the rural population, with manorial lords beginning the process of enclosure of village lands that previously had been open to everyone.
Tudor Gardens : Influences on the development of this garden style : Exploration and trade
A period of growing interest. Columbus was at the beginning of the period. Trade is cloth and wool was starting.
Issues with trade routes with Drake particularly in competition with the Spanish.
Tudor Gardens : Influences on the development of this garden style. Colonialisation and the development of empire
Recognised the importance of military requirements, not much colonisation.
Tudor Gardens : Influences on the development of this garden style. The assimilation of gardening styles from different cultures
Early Tudor gardens were influenced by medieval designs, while later in the period,
Renaissance influences became more pronounced, with a shift towards symmetry and classical elements.
Tudor Gardens : Influences on the development of this garden style. Evolving concepts of the garden
The use of water features, such as fountains and ponds, became more prevalent.
Hunting and deer parks are maintained for hunting. Large natural landscapes with planned spaces for livestock.
Tudor Gardens : Influences on the development of this garden style. Religion/belief and philosophy
Catholicism to Protestantism
Tudor Gardens : Influences on the development of this garden style.
Overall, Tudor gardens were influenced by a combination of medieval traditions, Renaissance aesthetics, architectural developments, global exploration, and symbolic meanings.
Renaissance gardens : Role and Purpose
Renaissance was characterized by a revival of interest in classical art, literature, and philosophy, and this cultural movement also influenced the design and function of gardens.
Renaissance gardens : Historical period
The Renaissance period in Europe was the 14th to 17th century
Renaissance gardens : Key characteristics in terms of design, features and planting
Renaissance gardens were meticulously planned to achieve aesthetic beauty. They incorporated geometric layouts, axial symmetry, and careful consideration of proportions. The goal was to create visually stunning landscapes that were harmonious and pleasing to the senses.
Describe the development of the Renaissance garden style over time and around Europe ( Italian, French, Dutch Renaissance; Baroque)
Italian –
Terraces/Fountains Symmetry and geometric design
French –
Influenced by Italy – so symmetry and geometric.
Parterres de broderie: Elaborate patterns created with low hedges and coloured gravel, forming intricate designs visible from above.
Dutch – Enclose emphasising intimacy and privacy. Water features. Serious messages convey moral or political messages, with features representing virtues or ideas.
Baroque - Grandiosity and theatricality: Baroque gardens embraced a more extravagant and theatrical style, featuring large, sweeping designs.
Named examples of Renaissance style gardens ( Italian, French, Dutch Renaissance; Baroque)
Italy – Tivoli Villa d’Este
French - Château de Chambord
Dutch - Het Loo Palace Gardens
Baroque – Palace of Versaille
Influences on the development of Renaissance-style gardens :
‘Spirit of the Age’
A renewed look at the arts and the classics. A more secular approach. An interest in mathematics and proportion.
Influences on the development of Renaissance-style gardens : Politics, society, and common values
Humanism was being explored which sort to explain everything via Science rather than religion.
Influences on the development of Renaissance-style gardens :
The assimilation of gardening styles from different cultures
Roman – lines and asymmetry
Islamic – water features
What are the evolving concepts of the Renaissance garden
Renaissance gardens were meticulously planned to achieve aesthetic beauty. They incorporated geometric layouts, axial symmetry, and careful consideration of proportions. The goal was to create visually stunning landscapes that were harmonious and pleasing to the senses.
Influences on the development of Renaissance-style gardens :
Religion/belief and philosophy
A move away from slavish following of religion.
Humanism was being explored which sort to explain everything via Science rather than religion.
Influences on the development of Renaissance-style gardens :
Art and architectural style.
Each element, such as plants, sculptures, and water features, carried symbolic meanings related to classical mythology, philosophy, or religious themes.
Gardens became a canvas for expressing ideas and ideals.
English Landscape gardens: Role and purpose
A move from formal and structured design to a more naturalist and emotionally evocative view.
English Landscape gardens: Historical period
The 18th Century
What was the development of the English Landscape Garden through time
The transition from the formality of Tudor and then back again into the Victorian times.
What are the key characteristics in terms of design, features and planting for an English Landscaped garden
Naturalistic and picturesque landscapes
A peaceful retreat and a place for contemplation. The intention was to create an environment where individuals could escape the stresses of urban life and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature.
A celebration of nature – meandering paths and lakes
Transition and surprise. – Follies temples and vistas
Integration of nature and architecture
Two named example of the English Landscaped Garden
Stowe
Painshill Park
Key designers of the English Landscape gardeners
William Kent, Capability Brown, Humphrey Repton.