Chiswick House – Lord Burlington’s Neo-Palladian villa
Fine, dry weather favoured the October coach trip to Grade I-listed Chiswick House and Gardens, the birthplace in the first half of the 18th century of the English Landscape Movement.
A stiff breeze moved the clouds away and we were grateful as it also kept us refreshed while listening to the three enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides.
We were told about the history of the Neo-Palladian house – built partly to show a large collection of art and statuary – and about the extensive landscaping of the gardens which replaced the 16th-century parterre and canal. This was all revolutionary in its time since it rejected a heavy Baroque style and introduced simpler, geometric symmetry based on the classical architecture that the nobility were now seeing on their Grand Tours of Italy.
The day was divided into two sessions: the House and the Gardens, before and after a short break for lunch. Far from being the expected “relaxing day” this turned out to be full-on fact finding!
Part of the Grade I-listed Conservatory
denis kellaway
We were in addition shown the enormous conservatory which houses the largest collection of heritage camellias under glass in the world, but sadly could not go in. Similarly there is a kitchen garden, now run as a community project and staffed mainly by volunteers, which has been in continual use for 250 years – but again we were short of time.
The Dukes of Devonshire owned Chiswick for most of its past history and many famous names have been associated with it, notably Georgiana Spencer, the great-great-great-great-aunt of the late Princess Diana. In 1774 this great beauty, socialite, political organiser and activist married the fifth duke, but she was also a reckless gambler who lost much of his vast fortune. Her story and their rather unusual marital arrangements were featured in the film The Duchess in 2008.
Listening to one of the knowledgeable guides
denis kellaway
Over a period of time much of the art collection was moved to Chatsworth and by the mid-20th century Chiswick House had been sold and had largely fallen into disrepair. Fortunately it was rescued in 1928 to be run as a private hospital for two decades, before being finally taken into municipal care in 1950.
The entire site is now managed by the Chiswick House and Garden Trust. It comprises the Scheduled Ancient Monument of Chiswick House itself, and the Grade I-listed conservatory, along with 21 other Grade I-listed garden buildings and statues, all set in 65 acres of Grade I gardening history – so there is much to see here.
And as we fell back into the comfort of the coach seats many of us were already making plans for a return visit.
Gelhi Jones