Repton at Gott's Park

“The original landscape gardener”

Come and explore one of Repton's commissions

Armley Ridge Road, Leeds LS12 2QX

 

Humphry Repton (1752-1818) coined the phrase ‘landscape gardener’. In 1809 he visited Armley House (now known as Gott’s Park Mansion) where his client was Benjamin Gott, leading textile manufacturer, industrial innovator and citizen of Leeds. He returned in 1810 to present his ideas for the house and grounds.

A North of England Horticultural Society Exhibition for last year’s Harrogate Autumn Flower Show, came to Gott's Park in Leeds in March and April 2019. Tracing the life and works of the 18th century’s last great landscape designer in the north of England, the exhibition at Gott’s Park Mansion will focus on Repton’s commission for Benjamin Gott.

Keen to fill the gap left by the death of the renowned Capability Brown, his overnight success was largely attributed, not only to his talent for design, but also to the Red Book he produced for clients to help them visualise his plans. The hand written, leather bound books contained text and water colours, with overlays to illustrate ‘before and after’ views of the landscape.

The original Red Book for Armley House is now at the Oak Spring Garden Foundation library in the USA.  A specially commissioned digital animation of the Armley Red Book narrated by Jeremy Irons will also be on display, allowing visitors to step inside and experience the magic of Repton’s designs.