Capability Brown Festival

Compton Verney, Warwickshire
Compton Verney in Warwickshire, a Capability Brown landscape

Heritage Grants

Date awarded
Location
Holborn & Covent Garden
Local Authority
Camden
Applicant
Landscape Institute
Award Given
£1050300
Held in 2016, the Capability Brown Festival was created to celebrate 300 years since the birth of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown – the ‘Shakespeare of gardening’.

Capability Brown’s work has influenced many people at home and abroad. Described variously as an artist, inventor and genius, Brown was a designer who changed the national landscape and created a style which has shaped people’s picture of the quintessential English countryside.

As the first ever celebration of Brown’s extensive works, the festival brought together a huge range of events, openings and exhibitions. The places where Brown created his memorable designs were made more accessible and volunteers were supported to increase their skills in site interpretation, guiding and writing.

Through its in depth research and exciting engagement activities, the festival inspired a new generation of visitors, participants and experts to leave a legacy of information, skills and enthusiasm for landscape. The organisers also created and shared a comprehensive sustainable travel toolkit.

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