Gertrude Jekyll: An Artist’s Eye

Image: In the Flower Border at Munstead by Henry Moon c.1896

This year marks the 175th birthday of extraordinary garden designer Gertrude Jekyll. Her collaboration with renowned architect Edwin Lutyens here at Hestercombe, on his only garden commission, is arguably the greatest example of their work.

Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932) was a multi-talented artist, craftswoman, writer, photographer, nurserywoman and garden designer. This eminent horticulturalist created more than 400 gardens across the UK, Europe and America.

As an artist first and foremost, Jekyll worked in many mediums before turning her hand to gardening when her eyesight began to deteriorate. She often selected vibrant colours and textures and her planting style reflected her understanding of colour theory, carefully blending colours and planting swathes of plants to soften and complement Lutyens’ architectural features.

To celebrate the work of Getrude Jekyll, Hestercombe is hosting an exhibition that gives a personal insight into the extraordinary and wide ranging skills of this artist and designer – the first woman to be awarded in 1897 the Victoria Medal of Honour of the Royal Horticultural Society, the highest award for British horticulturists.

Gertrude Jekyll: An Artist’s Eye presents original paintings of her gardens and the images she captured through drawings she made and photographs she took. The original desk she worked at is featured alongside vases she designed, the plans she drew and the books she published. A sound piece will also accompany the exhibition. We are grateful to the Garden Museum, Somerset Records Office and others who have kindly contributed to this exhibition.

Explore the exhibition in the Portman Room at Hestercombe House, from the 21st July to the 23rd September 2018.