Selections from Archival and Special Collections:
Take note from landscape gardener Humphry Repton, who loved rich plant life
Lara Carleton | Archives Clerk
Throughout the pandemic, many have taken solace in spending more time outdoors, especially in their own backyards. Some backyard enthusiasts have personalized herb and vegetable gardens, while others have beautified their own outdoor sanctuaries with fancy flowers or updated patios. Such projects remind me of work by landscape gardener Humphry Repton (1752-1818).
A British elite with little passion for the work expected of him in commerce, Repton pursued his love of painting watercolours and designing multi-functional outdoor spaces. Despite not being formally trained, Repton was skilled at landscape gardening (a term he created) and is responsible for over 400 projects spanning three decades. Today, Repton’s work is recognized as landscape architecture, and many of his projects have been maintained by the National Trust throughout England.
Of his greatest successes was Sheringham Hall, commissioned in 1812. This project is most notable for its proximity to where Repton once lived, as well as its astounding scenic location. As praised by Repton in his Sheringham Hall Red Book, “there is none that can be compared with the scenery of Sheringham … the combination of hill to valley – wood and sea views.” In order to revitalize the property for new owners, Repton’s top priority was to ensure that its views were showcased – similar to today’s curb appeal – as seen in the photo below.
Repton’s designs demonstrated his preference for adding more natural elements than other landscape gardeners of the time did. This is evident in the watercolour sketch of Sheringham Hall (see below) which he even captioned as being “a little richer” by proposing to plant greater amounts of bushes, flowers, and trees around the property.
Repton is primarily remembered for his ʻRed Booksʼ, titled for their Moroccan red leather bindings. The books contained project notes and watercolour sketches of his ideas to present to his clients. Some of the sketches throughout each book contain overlays where a watercolour of the current landscape can be flipped up to reveal a painting of his vision underneath. The example (see below) provides the same opportunity to visualize a project’s potential as Repton’s clients once had.
The Red Books of Humphry Repton are enjoyable to browse for the interaction they provide and their vibrant colour. You can view copies of some of Repton’s Red Books, as well as other books he authored on landscape gardening, in Archival & Special Collections in the McLaughlin Library.
A version of this article appeared in print in The Ontarion issue 191.2 on Sept. 30, 2021.
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