March 2016
This year sees the celebration of Lancelot “Capability” Brown’s 300th birthday.
Leaving his mark all across Britain during the eighteenth century, the landscape architect is ubiquitous with the English countryside, with his trademark rolling hills, flowing lakes and serpentine rivers. With celebrations in mind we decided to visit Syon House and its parkland in Middlesex to experience some of Brown’s iconic landscaping.
Syon House has been the London home of the Percy family since 1594 when it was acquired by Henry Percy, the 9th Earl of Northumberland. In 1762, under Hugh Percy, the 1st Duke of Northumberland it underwent a huge redesign with its interior designed by Robert Adam and parkland “Capability” Brown. Bordering the Thames and with views across to Kew Gardens the parkland enjoys Brown’s classic sweeping landscape and accompanying lake, complete with 200 species of rare trees.
Celebrations of Brown’s genius will be taking place throughout the year and at locations across the country. Having designed over 170 landscape parks you’ll be sure to discover a calm oasis wherever your location.