Thames-side Idylls – Creating Houses and Gardens in the 18th Century

In the 18th Century aristocrats, courtiers, wealthy financiers, writers and actors created some of the most adventurous and beautiful houses and gardens of the era along the Thames – idyllic spaces for living and pleasure and to experiment with new ideas about architecture and garden design. In this study day we will explore some of the design ideas that joined these wonderful places together but also look at the ways in which houses such as Chiswick House, Marble Hill, Strawberry Hill and Sandycombe Lodge were unique.

Programme for the day

Lecture 1 – The rise of Palladian architecture in England

Lecture 2 – Chiswick House
Chiswick House and Gardens stand as the greatest example of Palladianism in Britain. We will look at the development of the architecture of the house but also explore how the garden pointed the way to more ‘naturalistic’ designs.

Lecture 3 – Strawberry Hill
Robert Walpole was an acute observer of 18th Century cultural life. He was also a leader in architecture and design and created at Strawberry Hill a Gothic idyll as an alternative to the prevailing classicism.

Lecture 4 – Sandycombe Lodge – Turner’s House
This study day will conclude by looking at a unique Thames-side idyll – Turner’s House at Sandycombe Lodge. This small domestic holiday home shows how the ideals of neo-classical living might be translated to those with fewer resources but boundless imagination.

A study visit to two of the houses will be arranged for later in 2027.