Stowe - Michael Bevington

Stowe explores the magnificent landscape garden that is one of the most remarkable legacies of Georgian England and the succession of extraordinary characters who made it. Created by Viscount Cobham in the grounds of his family home, the garden came to reflect a coherent program of ideas based on Cobham's hugely influential network of political affiliations. Realized by designer William Kent, Stowe encapsulates an idealised vision of constitutional monarchy and political freedom. The garden features a series of extraordinary and innovative garden buildings, designed by leading architects of the day, all set in a carefully constructed Arcadian landscape of valleys and lakes. Cobham's immediate successors enhanced and extended the garden, naturalizing its more formal aspects and opening up fresh vistas towards the glorious new house that they constructed, as well as adding yet more temples and monuments. The house and garden were sold in 1922 when Stowe School was founded. The National Trust first became involved in 1967 and took over formal ownership of the garden in l989, initiating a major program of restoration. Richly illustrated with superb garden photography, portraits, and archive material, Stowe tells a fascinating story of power and personality, and celebrates a wonderful garden that was inspired by politics and rescued by a school.